1 meaty ham hock, trimmed
2 lb. beef shank, trimmed
2 lg. onions, coarsely chopped
2 c. canned tomatoes
3 tbsp. tomato paste
3/4 lb. young okra, cut into 1/4" slices
4 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Pinch cayenne
1/4 tsp. thyme
2 c. fresh corn kernels (or 10 oz. frozen corn kernels)
2 c. fresh baby lima beans (or 10 oz. frozen baby limas)

Simmer the ham hock, beef shank and onions, covered, in 3 quart water for about 4 hours. Uncover the pan and reduce liquid by about a third. Skim and remove the bones. Cut the meat from bones and dice it into bite sized pieces before returning it to the kettle. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, okra, sugar, salt and pepper, cayenne and thyme. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Add the corn and lima beans and simmer 45 minutes more. Uncover pot and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serves 6.