Thom's Special Bean Soup

By Thom7747

Edible dry beans are a blessing from the farmers of our land. They are very nutritious and offer a wide selection of good things for the body. I use 9 different beans in my soup and I hope you like it.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Great Northern beans, dried
• 1/3 cup pinto beans, dried
• 1/3 cup lima beans, dried
• 1/3 cup dried blackeyes
• 1/3 cup green split peas, dried
• 1/3 cup kidney beans, dried
• 1/3 cup black beans, dried
• 1/3 cup dried lentils
• 1/3 cup navy beans, dried
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 2 pounds ham bone, smoked
• 1 sweet Italian sausage, ring of smoked [(or add liquid smoke)(chop sausage)]
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 1 quart canned tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red hot pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• lemon, juice of 1
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Preparation

Step 1

Place the beans in a large pot or kettle.

Cover with water.

Bring to a boil and remove from the heat for 1 hour.

Drain the beans; rinse thoroughly and add 2 quarts of fresh water.

Bring back to a boil.

Add 2 tablespoons of salt.

Add smoked ham bones and Italian sausage.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer slowly for 2 hours.

Add the onion, tomatoes, red pepper (optional), chili powder, lemon juice, and garlic (optional).

Salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer another 30 to 40 minutes.