HOT SOUP: This simple recipe was given to me by a friend long time ago. It is pretty exotic and quite delicious.

CARIBBEAN CALALOO SOUP:

2 lbs. spinach                                                              

3 tbsp. butter

1 large onion, chopped                                               

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 dozen okra, fresh, canned or frozen                        

2 potatoes, peeled and diced

6-7 cups chicken stock                                                           

1 tsp. thyme                                        

1 cup canned coconut milk****       

2 tsp. salt + pepper to taste

                                                                  

1 lb. frozen crab meat, thawed

Wash and chop spinach. In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over moderate heat and cook onion and garlic until transparent. Add spinach and cook until wilted and limp. Add okra and potatoes. Stir in stock, coconut milk, salt and pepper. Simmer mixture, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are soft. Add crab meat and thyme. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through.          

****Instead of canned coconut milk, soak 1 cup shredded coconut in warm milk for 1 hour. Strain and discard coconut (or use it in other recipe) while reserving the liquid.****