7-Bean Soup

• 4 cups dried beans (as many types as you can find)
• 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
• 2-3 large onions, chopped
• 1 tsp. lemon pepper
• 3 Tbsp. B-B-Q sauce
• 3 tsp. choppe green chili
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 44 oz. crushed tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 6 Tbsp. ketchup
• 6 stalks celery, chopped

Wash, pick over, and soak the beans overnight in enough water to cover them by 2 inches. In the morning, drain & rinse the beans. Return them to the pot with 18 cups of cold water. Add the ginger, and bring to a full boil. Reduce to an active simmer & cook until tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer 3 hours more. Stir and add water as needed. If you can wait until it's completely done, you'll have plenty to freeze, and it freezes well.

• Yields: enough for freezing
• Preparation Time: 3 hours + overnight