Winter'S Day Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. mixed beans (use at least 7 varieties of beans: Great Northern, navy, black, garbanzo, split green peas, pinto or red beans)
2 Tbsp. salt
1 or 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 qt. water
2 c. diced ham or sliced smoked sausage
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. chili powder
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, chopped

Preparation

Rinse beans.
Place in large pot.
Cover with water.
Add salt and soak overnight.
Drain.
Add 2 quarts water and ham or sausage.
Simmer for 2 1/2 or 3 hours.
Add onion, garlic, chili powder, tomatoes and lemon juice.
Simmer 45 minutes.
Add salt and pepper, if desired.
Yields 2 quarts.