Gumbo Z'herbes

Ingredients

• 2  bay leaves 
• 1 medium cabbage shredded
• 3 tablespoons flour all-purpose divided
• 0.3 cup parsley fresh chopped
• 0.3 cup green onion tops chopped
• 0.3 pound ham hock rinsed
• 1 Dash hot sauce 
• 2 pound mustard greens cleaned
• 0.5 cup onion chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper 
• 2 teaspoons salt 
• 2 tablespoons shortening 
• 1 pound pkt spinach fresh cleaned
• 0.5 teaspoon thyme leaves dried whole
• 4 cups water 
• 0.5 pound watercress cleaned

Equipment

• knife
• dutch oven
• cutting board

Directions

1. Place thoroughly washed greens on cutting board; using a sharp knife, cut greens into bite-size pieces.
2. Place greens, shredded cabbage, and water in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
3. Remove greens mixture from Dutch oven and drain, reserving liquid. Set aside.
4. Melt shortening in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add ham hock, and cook until browned.
5. Remove ham hock; set aside.
6. Add greens mixture, onion, green onion tops, parsley, bay leaves, and thyme; cook over medium heat 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
7. Add reserved ham hock and reserved liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.
8. Combine remaining flour and a small amount of water to form a smooth paste. Stir into greens mixture, and cook 1 minute.