Soup Weather

[jinx]

Yeah, aside from soaking the beans overnight I don't follow the directions on the beans bag. I don't use the ham flavor packet either.

I start with mirepoix + minced garlic and a little olive oil in the soup pot over medium until soft (pre-shredded carrots in the bag are awesome), then added a big can of diced and a big can of crushed tomatoes, box of chicken stock, the soaked/drained/rinsed beans and a ham hock (and salt, pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, whatever else you're into). Simmer for several hours. Remove the hock, cut the meat off the bones, add the meat back to the soup. Throw in some (frozen) green beans or anything else you want and simmer for another hour or so. Add water or more stock if it get's too thick.
I add my hot sauce to individual bowls so it's not too spicy for anyone.