Robust Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (16 oz.) pkg. mixed dried beans with ham flavor packet
Water
1 Tbsp. Emeril's Essence seasoning
1 c. chopped onions
1/3 c. chopped bell pepper
1 c. chopped smoked sausage
1 (10 oz.) can Rotel tomatoes and chilies
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1/4 tsp. Tabasco (or to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation

Wash the dried beans and then place in soup pot with water to cover.
Allow to soak overnight or several hours.
Pour off water and cover once again with water.
Cook until beans are almost tender.
Add ham flavor packet, Essence seasoning, onion, bell pepper, smoked sausage, Rotel, and diced tomatoes.
Cook over medium heat until onions and bell pepper are tender.
Add butter and Tabasco. Taste and add salt and black pepper, as needed.