posted by Connie 12-25-98 7:31 PM 
Bean Soup
Use 2 cups of all varieties of dried beans, (navy, lima, red, black eyed peas, kidney, pinto, cranberry, lentils, etc.) whatever your choice, but a variety, I've seen some in the stores with as many as 15 different kinds in a  
pack. 
2 quarts water
1 large ham hock
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped 
1 pod red pepper or red pepper flakes, to taste
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
juice of 1 lemon
Cover beans with water and soak over night; drain. 
Add 2 quarts of water and ham hock. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer simmer 2 1/2 hours. 
Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, red pepper or red pepper flakes and juice of 1 lemon. 
Simmer for 30 minutes.