Ingredients

1- Leftover ham bone (or any lean ham meat, diced)

1- Bag 15 Bean Soup mix (I use Hurst’s Brand Hambeens)

1- onion, diced

1- can diced tomato

2- cloves chopped garlic

1- tsp. chili powder

12- cups water

Juice from 1 lemon

Preparation

Directly from the bag: This is the “traditional method”

  1. Soaking- Place beans in a large pot, cover with 2 quarts of water. Allow beans to soak overnight, or at least 8 hours.
  2. After soaking, drain excess water, and add 2 quarts of fresh water and meat.
  3. Bring to a rolling boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 2.5 hours.
  4. After simmering, add onion, tomatoes, chili powder, lemon and garlic. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
  5. Add contents of ham packet 1 to 2 minutes before cooking is completed. Salt and pepper to taste.