Nine Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. Nine Bean soup mix (dry beans)
2 qt. water
1 lb. ham, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1 bay leaf
1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, undrained and chopped
1 (12 oz.) can vegetable cocktail juice

Preparation

Sort and wash bean mix.
In large kettle, cover beans with 6 to 8 cups water.
Bring to boil; boil 2 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Cover and let stand 1 hour.
Drain.
Add 2 quarts cold water and ham.
Bring to boil.
Simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.
Stir in remaining ingredients.
Simmer 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Makes about 3 quarts.