Cassava Soup

Ingredients

 * 64 oz water
 * 1 lb shank
 * 2 stems celery
 * 5 grains pimiento
 * 1 fresh whole pepper
 * 4 oz pickled meat (option: smoked - or dried fish)
 * 3 - 4 cubes bouillon (depending on the individual taste)
 * 2 medium cassavas (about 1 lb), cut into bite - size cubes
 * 1 small whole onion
 * coconut milk (option) for a smooth texture.

Directions

 * 1) Boil the water for ten minutes together with the shank (take away any foam that occurs).
 * 2) Add to this, the unsalted pickled meat.
 * 3) The whole onion, celery stems, pimiento grains, the whole pepper (do not pierce!), and the cassava.
 * 4) The soup is ready when the cassava, pickled meat and shank are tender.
 * 5) At the end, add the bouillon cubes and as option; the coconut milk.
 * 6) Boil for an additional 5 – 10 minutes.