Ingredients:

a ham bone with any leftover meat left on it (ham hock is not the same)

6 cups water

1 package of 16 bean soup spice mix discarded

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped bell pepper

6 oz can of tomato paste

8 oz can of tomato sauce

7 oz or 8oz can of diced green chiles undrained

2 bay leaves

1 heaping tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 heaping tablespoon garlic powder

salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Soak the beans for at least 8 hours & up to 24 hours. After they have soaked, drain them & give them a good rinse.

2. In a large stockpot, sauté the onions & peppers until tender. Add in the 6 cups of water, the ham bone, & the beans to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, and then reduce the heat to low.

3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, green chiles, & spices (including the bay leaves). Let the soup simmer for at least 4 hours, uncovered, stirring occasionally. If there is any meat left on the ham bone after it’s done simmering – gently pull it off with a wooden spoon before removing the ham bone & the bay leaves.

4. If you don't have a hambone, use 4 meaty ham hocks in place of the ham & add in 2 cups of sliced ham.

Bon Appetit!