Bean Soup

1 jar of bean mixture*
red pepper (optional)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 to 2 cups chopped ham or 1/2 smoked sausage ring
1 can tomatoes (up to 15 oz)	  	
1 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water
juice of one lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1 clove of minced garlic
Water for soaking beans
	  

Wash beans, remove debris.  Place beans in a pot and cover with 
water - soak overnight.  In the morning, DRAIN, add 1 1/2 to 2 quarts
of water.  Bring to a boil.  Simmer slowly, partially covered 2 1/2 to
3 hours, until beans are tender.
	  

Add onion, tomatoes, red pepper, chili powder, lemon juice, garlic,
salt and pepper.  Simmer 30 minutes.  Service with crackers, cornbread,
or other bread and a salad.  Freezes well.
	
	
*  BEAN MIXTURE:  A mixture of beans/peas - kidney, pinto, black, navy,
lima (small and large), red.  Peas:  blackeye, green split, yellow split.
Lentils.  Or a combination of your favorite beans.