9 Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. 9 Bean Soup Mix * (or use mixed dry beans of your choice)
cold water
1 lb. ham, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes (undrained), chopped
1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes and green chiles (undrained)

Preparation

Sort and rinse beans, place in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Remove pot from heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour.
Drain and rinse beans; return to pot and add 2 quarts water, ham, onion and garlic.
Cover, bring to boil and simmer 1 1/2 hours, or until beans are tender.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer 30 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.