Ingredients
1 lb Smoked ham on the bone -- chopped
-or salted pig's tail
1 lb Stewing beef -- cubed
2 cups Kidney beans, dried
4 litres Water
4 small Potatoes -- peeled and cubed
1/2 cup Coconut milk -- optional
1 Onions -- chopped
2 Green onions -- chopped
1 Sprig fresh thyme
1 Hot pepper
Salt


Directions

Soak the pig's tail overnight in fresh water to cover. Then thoroughly rinse the pig's tail (or ham hocks) in cold water.

Combine in a large heavy sauce- pan with the beef, dried kidney beans (if using canned beans don't add at this time), and the water. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, until the meat and beans are tender.

Add the potatoes, coconut milk, and any other peeled root vegetables or dumplings along with the onion, scallions, thyme and hot pepper. (If using canned beans, add at this time.)

Add salt to taste. Stir the soup and allow to simmer for 1 hour.

emove the whole hot pepper and thyme sprig before serving.