Calico bean soup mix

 
                            Calico Bean Soup Mix
 
 Recipe By     : 
 Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Gifts                            Soups
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
                         ---Bean Mix---
    4      tablespoons   lima beans -- large
    3      tablespoons   lima beans -- small
    3      tablespoons   red kidney beans
    3      tablespoons   great northern beans
    2      tablespoons   split peas
    2      tablespoons   white beans -- small
    2      tablespoons   lentils
    2      tablespoons   black-eyed peas
    2      tablespoons   pinto beans
    2      tablespoons   garbanzo beans
    2      tablespoons   navy beans
    2      tablespoons   black turtle beans
                         ---Spice packet---
    1      teaspoon      chili powder
      1/4  teaspoon      garlic powder
    1      tablespoon    chopped dried onions
    1      teaspoon      dried bell pepper
      1/2  teaspoon      oregano
      1/4  teaspoon      cracked black pepper
 
 To make the soup mix, combine the beans and place in plastic bag.  Bags
 that are decorated for holidays can be found in craft shops.  Place the
 spices in a small plastic bag.  Very small ziplock bags can also be found
 in craft shops.  Include the following recipe:
 
 Calico Bean Soup
 
 Package of beans
 Packet of spices
 Hambone, hamhock or 1/2 pound of ham*
 2 quarts of water
 1 large onion, chopped
 1 28 ounce can of tomatoes or 2 14-1/2 ounce cans
 Juice of 1 lemon
 Salt to taste
 
 *If desired, omit ham and substitute beef, chicken, or vegetable 
 stock for the cooking water.
 
 Wash beans thoroughly.  Place in a large kettle, cover with water and soak
 overnight.  (An alternate method is to bring beans and water to a boil,
 remove from heat, and cover and let stand for 1 hour .)  Next drain beans
 and add 2 quarts of new water and ham or ham hock (or use broth if
 omitting ham).  Simmer slowly for 2-1/2 to 3 hours.  Then add spice
 packet, onion, tomatoes (undrained), lemon juice and salt to taste (spice
 packet contains no salt).  Simmer another 30 minutes or until beans are
 tender. 
 
 Take ham from soup.  Remove any bits of ham from bone and return to soup. 
 If using boneless ham, cut into bite-size pieces and return to soup. 
 Serve. 
 
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 NOTES : Substitute beans freely; use anasazi beans, pink beans, red 
 beans, etc.  There should be approximately 1 pound of beans in all.