BEANS FOR SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Place rinsed beans into a large stock pot. Add water and bring to a boil. Boil gently for 2 minutes; remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour.
• Add ham bone, cubed ham, onion, salt, pepper and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until beans are soft. Occasionally skim surface of soup while it is cooking.
• Add carrots and celery, cook until tender. Remove ham bone, scrape any meat from bone and place back into soup and serve.

Steps:

• Simply rinse the beans and discard any debris, then place in the pot with 8 cups of water and soak overnight (at least 8 hours).
• Drain the water the beans were soaking in over night and add 8 cups of fresh water along with the onion and meat (if using).
• Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Next add the tomatoes, the chili powder, lemon juice and garlic and simmer covered for another 30 minutes.
• There is a seasoning packet included with the beans, you'll want to add that one to two minutes before your cooking is complete.
• Salt and pepper to taste.