Gumbo z' Herbes

 

               Prep time -25 minutes  ..... cooking time  - 2 hours

1/4        cup  olive oil

1           pound beef brisket or chuck steak ... cut into 1/2-inch chunks

6           ounces baked ham , cut in 1/2  inch chunks

1           large yellow onion , finely chopped

6           scallions , including tops , thinly sliced

1           large sweet red pepper , cored , seeded , and diced

3           tablespoons all-purpose flour

1           cup thinly freah orka or 1/2 package  (10 ounces) frozen okra

4           cups rich chicken stock or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth

8           ounces cabbage , cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

4           cups thinly sliced mustard greens

3           cups thinly sliced turnip greens

1/2         teaspoon salt

1/4        teaspoon black pepper

1           whole bay leaf

1/2        teaspoon each dried , thyme and marjoram , crumbled

4           allspice berries

2           whole cloves

1           teaspoon cayenne 

6           cups trimmed , washed, and coarsely chopped spinach

1          bunch watercress , tough stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped 

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1) In an 8-quart dutch Oven over moderate heat , heat the oil about two minutes . Add brisket and ham and cook , stirring grequently , until lightly browm ... about 5 minutes . Transfer to a bowl and set aside .

2) Add onion and scallions and cook , stirring frequently until softened  ... about 5 minutes . Add sweet red pepper  and cook , stirring frequently until crisp-tender  ... about 4 minutes . Stir in flour until well coated . Add orka and cook , stirring constanrly , until well combined . gradually add stock , stirring until well combined .

3) Add cabbage , mustard greens , turnip greens , salt , balck pepper , bay leaf , thyme , marjoram , allspice, cloves , cayenne , and reserved meats . Bring to a boil , reduce the heat to moderately low , cover and simmer , stirring occasionally , until the gumbo is thickening and the beef is tender  ... about 1-1/2 hours .

4) Add spinach and watercress , cover and cook until tender ... about 15 minutes more . Remove and discard bay leaf . 

Makes 4-6 servings.