2 c. ham, fully cooked
3/4 c. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp. butter
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up
2 fresh tomatoes, cut up
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed beef soup
1 c. uncooked long grain rice
1 bay leaf, crushed
1/2 tsp. thyme leaves, crushed
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. chili powder
1 (4 1/2 oz.) can cooked shrimp, halved
1 med. green pepper, cut in 1/2 squares
1/4 c. sliced pitted ripe olives

In large saucepan cook ham, onion, and garlic in butter until onion is tender. Add tomatoes, beef broth, 1 cup water, rice, bay leaf, thyme, chili powder, and sugar and dash of black pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Add shrimp, green pepper, and olives. Uncover and simmer to desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes. Makes 6-8 servings. You may substitute chicken or any meat desired if you do not care for shrimp. I always add smoked sausage.