Oriental Hodge Podge Recipes

TRADITIONAL MARITIME HODGE PODGE

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble and set aside.
• Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and whole garlic clove. Cook and stir until the garlic has softened, and the onions begin to turn golden-brown, about 8 minutes. Scrape the mixture into a small bowl; remove the garlic clove, mash, and return to the onions. Place the green beans, wax beans, and carrots into the saucepan. Pour in the chicken broth and enough water to just cover the vegetables; season with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes.
• After the beans have simmered 15 minutes, stir in the new potatoes and cook until tender, about 30 minutes more. Stir in the garlic, onions, 1/4 cup butter, and cream; return to a simmer. Dissolve the flour in 1/2 cup of water and stir into the soup. Cook and stir until the soup has thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with crumbled bacon.

NOVA SCOTIAN HODGE PODGE

Steps:

• Place the green beans, wax beans, carrots and turnips into a saucepan and add enough water to cover the vegetables. Lightly salt the water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 1/2 hour, then add the potatoes and cook for another 1/2 hour. Stir in butter and if desired, cream.
• Mix together the flour and 1/2 cup water, and pour into the soup. Cook for a few more minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and serve hot.

EAST COAST HODGE PODGE WITH SEAFOOD

Steps:

• Place potatoes and carrots in a pot with some well salted water.
• Cook just until crunchy tender.
• Add peas and beans and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Drain water and add butter.
• Mix butter and vegetables well under medium heat for another 3-4 minutes.
• Season then add the milk.
• Gently simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Add seafood, bring back to a simmer then cover and turn off heat.
• Leave for about 5 minutes, stir to make sure seafood is cooked through, rebalance seasonings to taste.
• For a thicker mixture smash a few potato pieces with the back of a spoon.

HEARTY HODGE-PODGE

Steps:

• 1. Soak dry beans overnite in large soup pot full of water. Drain.
• 2. Cook beans in 2 or 3 quarts of salted water with the ham hocks until tender and meat falls off the bones. Remove all but 6 cups of water.
• 3. In large dutch oven or soup kettle cook chopped bacon until crisp. Take bacon out of the pan but leave the drippings. Add olive oil and saute oniln, garlic then vegetables until soft.
• 4. Add cooked beans, ham hocks, polish sausage, bacon and all other ingredients including stock - bringing to a boil, turn heat down to low and cook for an hour. Seanson to taste and serve!