Mrs. Dorsey'S Calico Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 c. water
1 large pkg. dry beans (navy, Great Northern, etc.)
1 large ham bone
2 large onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large pod red pepper
juice of 1 lemon
1 qt. can tomatoes
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/4 c. green pepper, diced
1 c. celery, chopped
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. salt

Preparation

Wash beans thoroughly.
Place in large kettle.
Cover with water and salt.
Soak overnight.
Drain off water the next morning.
Add 6 cups of water.
Simmer for 2 hours.
Add all other ingredients.
Stir well.
Cook for another half hour.
Serve.