Ingredients

• 2 cups dried beans (navy, great northern, or pinto)
• 8 cups water, divided
• 1 meaty ham bone
• 1-2 cups chopped cooked ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced or crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

1. Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the beans.
3. Add the beans, ham bone, one bay leaf, and enough fresh water to cover to a large soup pot.
4. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 1 hour until the beans begin to soften.
5. Remove the ham bone and discard the cooking liquid if desired. Return the beans to the pot.
6. Add the remaining water, chopped ham, onion, garlic, tomatoes, chili powder, second bay leaf, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer for another 30-60 minutes until the beans are completely tender and the flavors have blended.
8. Remove the bay leaves before serving.