Wash beans. Soak overnight in water and 3 tablespoons salt. Pour off water. Add 2 quarts water and simmer 2 to 3 hours, until tender.

Add: 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. chili powder (or to taste) Salt to taste

Thirty minutes before serving, add 1 large onion, chopped. Simmer.

For a heartier soup, season with 1 pound ham, finely chopped or 1 pound lean ground beef lightly browned.