Nine Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. dried beans (mixed): Great Northern beans, lima beans, black beans, kidney beans, small red beans, navy beans, green split peas, yellow split peas and pinto beans
2 qt. water
2 or 3 ham hocks, bone, bacon ends or smoked sausage
2 Tbsp. salt
1 large onion, chopped
2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes
chili powder to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Wash beans and place in a large pot; cover with water and add salt.
Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover tightly and let stand for 1 hour.
Drain; cover with the 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer 30 minutes.
Add onion, meat or bone, salt and pepper to taste and continue to simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Add tomatoes and chili powder during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Yield: 8 to 10 servings.
Great served with corn bread.