In a heavy Dutch oven heat corn oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until tender (about 5 minutes). Add cumin, thyme, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper, and stir to mix through. Then add chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, and ham bone with some meat on it (or 1 1/2 cups diced ham).

Simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour.