Frijoles Vaguerso(Soup) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. or more dry kidney beans
1 tsp. soda
water to more than cover
2 to 3 ham hocks with some meat on them
3 large onions, chopped
1 large can (28 oz.) tomatoes
1/8 tsp. cayenne
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 cloves garlic
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 c. grated Cheddar cheese
1 can whole ripe olives, drained

Preparation

Soak beans overnight.
Next day, add soda and fresh water to cover.
Bring to boil.
Drain and wash well under hot water.
Add ham hocks and water to cover.
Cook on low heat for about 2 hours. Add water, if needed.
Remove bone and fat.
Cut ham in pieces and return to pot.