Ham and Cabbage Soup

INGREDIENTS

slices of bacon , chopped

1 cup

chopped onion

1 cup

chopped carrots

1/4 cup

chopped celery

1 tsp

minced garlic

1 cup

chopped ham

medium ham hock

1 qt

chicken stock or broth

1 qt

water

1/2 tbsp

chicken base (like Better Than Bouillon )

3 cups

peeled, chopped potatoes (not diced)

4 cups

thickly shredded cabbage

1/2 tsp

kosher salt

1/4 tsp

freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp

Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama )

large bay leaf

1/2 tsp

dried thyme