Ham Hock and Cabbage Soup

I made this!  And even though everything except the ham got overcooked, it tasted good!  😄

I think next time I'll boil the ham hock to death first and then add it to the other ingredients.

The recipe is from Emeril Lagasse's site. 

Diet Update:  Day 14 - After losing about 1 pound a day at first, I've been stuck at -5 pounds for awhile now.   😵‍💫

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
• 1 ham hock (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 6 cups chopped cabbage (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups peeled and cubed red potatoes (about 1 pound)

DIRECTIONS

• Heat the oil in a large deep pot over high heat. Add the bacon and fry until it is slightly crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the ham hock, onions, and carrots. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the onions are slightly wilted.

• Add the cabbage, garlic, bay leaves, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until the cabbage is slightly wilted. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. Add the potatoes. Cover and cook for 1 hour, or until the cabbage and potatoes are soft and tender.

• Remove the ham hock from the soup. Pick off the meat and add to the pot. If desired, skim off any fat that has risen to the surface and remove the bay leaves.

• Serve in large soup bowls.