Green Tomato Soup With Country Ham

• butter↗2 tablespoons
• country ham or smoked ham↗6 ounces

  diced

• small onion↗1

  diced

• garlic cloves↗2

  minced

• chicken broth↗4 cups
• medium green tomatoes↗8

  peeled and chopped

• medium tomatoes↗2

  peeled and chopped

• jalapeno pepper↗1

  seeds and stem removed, minced

• celery salt1⁄4 teaspoon
• Tabasco sauce (optional)↗1 dash
• salt and pepper

  to taste

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat; add ham, onion, and garlic. Sauté, stirring, until onion is tender. Add chicken broth, chopped green and red tomatoes, and minced jalapeno pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Working in batches, pulse in a blender or food processor until almost smooth. Pour back into the saucepan and add celery salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper and Tabasco sauce, as desired.