Ham and Bean Soup

• a ham bone, with any leftover meat left on it 
• 6 cups water
• 1 package of 16 bean soup (spice mix discarded)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper 
• 6oz can of tomato paste
• 8oz can of tomato sauce
• 7oz or 8oz can of diced green chiles, undrained 
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 heaping tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 heaping tablespoon garlic powder
• salt & pepper to taste

Soak the beans for at least 8 hours & up to 24 hours.  After they have soaked, drain them & give them a good rinse.

In a large stockpot, saute the onions & peppers until tender.  Add in the 6 cups of water, the ham bone, & the beans to a boil.  Boil for 5 minutes, and then reduce the heat to low.  

Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, green chiles, & spices (including the bay leaves).  Let the soup simmer for at least 4 hours, uncovered, stirring occasionally.  If there is any meat left on the ham bone after it's done simmering - gently pull it off with a wooden spoon before removing the ham bone & the bay leaves.