1 TB lard or vegetable oil
1 onion, finely diced
1 cup sauerkraut, chopped
1 cup shredded dill pickles
4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
1 ham hock
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes: Sour cream, Fresh dill

1. Heat the oil in a soup pot, add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the sauerkraut, pickles, stock and ham hock. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
    
2. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove ham hock and serve. This soup is delicious when garnished with sour cream and some fresh dill.