Crab Meat Callaloo Soup

Ingredients

 * 2 tablesp. butter
 * 1 med. onion, diced
 * 1/2 cup chopped celery
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 4 cups chicken stock
 * 1 cup coconut milk
 * 1/2 lb. smoked ham or 1 sm. ham hock
 * 1 1/2 cups washed, coarsely chopped,firmly packed callaloo or spinach leaves
 * 1 cup sliced okra
 * 1 teaspoon dried thyme
 * 1/4 teasp. freshly ground black pepper
 * 1 congo pepper or Habanero, seeds removed, minced
 * 1 pound cooked crab meat, chopped
 * 1 tablesp. butter (optional)
 * Salt, to taste

Directions

 * 1) In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablesp.butter.2) Add the onion, celery and garlic; saute for 2-3 mins.
 * 2) Add the stock, coconut milk and ham and bring to a boil. Add the allaloo, okra, thyme, ground pepper and congo pepper.
 * 3) Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally,until the callaloo is thoroughly cooked (about 50 mins).
 * 4) Whisk the soup until very smooth or puree it in small batches in a blender. Add the crab meat and heat thoroughly.