Bean Soup

Serves Up To 4 - 6

1 pound dry beans, e.g., Northern, Lima, Black-eyed Peas, Pinto, Kidney, Split Pea, Navy, Lentil, Black, etc.

1 pound ham, ham hocks and/or sausage

1 cup onion, chopped

1 can [14.5 Oz.] diced tomatoes with juice

2 ½ cups water

1 teaspoon chili powder [or to taste]

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

Dash of Liquid Smoke [Hickory] Optional

Salt and pepper to taste

Put all ingredients, except salt and pepper, in a slow cooker. Turn on HIGH heat, cover and let cook for approximately 1 hour.

Reduce heat to LOW and continue simmering, uncovered, for about 3 hours or until beans are cooked thoroughly.

Season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot.