CONCH SOUP

INGREDIENTS 1 lb conchs (3-4) 1 - 2 cocos 1 green plantain 2 okras 1 small carrot 1 small onion 1 lime for cleaning 1 tbsp flour 3/4 tbsp lard 1 tsp salt 1/8 tsp thyme 1 hot pepper (whole)

METHOD: 1. Remove outer skin and wash conchs with lime. 2. Beat until flesh is broken. (Damn, that sounds brutal ;-) 3. Put into boiling water and boil until tender (boil uncovered for about 30 - 40 minutes) 4. Heat the lard in a heavy saucepan, add the flour, stirring until it is brown. 5. Remove from heat and add 1 cup hot water stirring until flour is dissolved. Add 3 cups extra water. 6. Add the conch and seasoning then boil slowly over gentle heat for 15-20 minutes. 7. Wash and peel vegetables. Cut into small pieces then add to the soup. 8. Boil slowly until vegetables are tender. 9. Taste, and add seasonings if necessary. 10. Serve hot with a dish or rice.