COUNTRY BEAN SOUP

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. mixed beans for soup, USE ANY COMBINATION OF: kidney, pea, black, yellow eye, etc.
• 1 lg. onion
• 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, cut OR 1 lg. can tomato puree
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 c. chopped celery
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Wash beans thoroughly, cover with water and soak overnight in a large covered kettle. Next day, drain and add 2 quarts water, 2 cups diced smoked sausage or 1 large ham bone. Cover and simmer 2 to 3 hours, then add: onion, tomatoes or puree, garlic, celery and carrots. Add chili powder, salt and pepper. Simmer 45 more minutes. Serve with cornbread. The flavor improves with age.