New Year'S Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. mixed dry beans/peas
2 tsp. salt
2 qt. water
ham or ham bones (may also use sliced kielbasa or chicken or a combination of meats)
1 large chopped onion
28 oz. can tomatoes
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 clove minced garlic
1 bay leaf
juice of 1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Wash the beans/peas thoroughly.
Place in a large kettle. Cover with water and add the salt.
Soak overnight.
In the morning, rinse again.
Drain and add the water and ham or ham bones.
Bring to a boil and simmer at least 3 hours.
Add the onion, tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, bay leaf, juice of lemon and salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer 2 more hours and enjoy. Freezes well.
Makes 3 quarts.