1 lb. mixed dried beans
1/2 lb. smoked ham, chopped, or you can use 1/2 of a ham hock
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 tbsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 lg. carrot, grated
1 med. can tomatoes
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. sugar
Pepper to taste

Soak beans overnight. Simmer for 1 hour in 3 quarts of water. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer for another hour.