Crab Meat Callaloo Soup

Ingredients

 * 2 tbsp butter
 * 1 medium onion, diced
 * ½ cup chopped celery
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 4 cups chicken stock
 * 1 cup coconut milk
 * ½ lb smoked ham or 1 small ham hock
 * 1½ cups washed, coarsely chopped,firmly packed callaloo or spinach leaves
 * 1 cup sliced okra
 * 1 teaspoon dried thyme
 * ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
 * 1 Congo pepper or habanero, seeds removed, minced
 * 1 pound cooked crab meat, chopped
 * 1 tbsp butter (optional)
 * salt, to taste

Directions

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