Calico Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. dried bean mixture, cleaned and washed
8 c. water
2 meaty ham hocks
4 c. water
1 c. onion, chopped
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 c. vegetables (chop carrots, celery, cabbage, etc.)
1/2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. chili powder
juice from 1 lemon
salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

In large pot, bring to a boil and let stand for 1 hour or soak beans overnight.
Return to boil and simmer slowly 3 hours. Simmer ham hocks in small pan with 4 cups water.
Drain reserving liquid.
Separate meat from bone and fat and set aside.
Add onion, tomatoes, vegetables, oregano, chili powder, lemon juice, salt and pepper to the cooking beans along with cooked meat and simmer 1 hour longer.
Skim fat from meat broth and add broth to cooking soup.
Serve hot.
Yields 16 servings.