1 pkg. dry beans
3 qts. water
1 tbsp. salt
1 smoked ham hock
Bouquet Garni
1 (28 oz.) can Italian tomatoes
2 c. onion, chopped
2 c. celery, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2+ cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground pepper
1 lb. sliced, smoked Kielbasa sausage
1 or 2 whole chicken breasts, sliced into sm. pieces while raw or slightly frozen

Rinse and drain beans. Place all ingredients in a large covered pot and simmer 3 hours. Chop all vegetables and add to pot. Simmer, uncovered 1 1/2 hours. Add sausage and chicken and simmer covered 40 minutes. This soup can be made a day or more ahead or frozen. With an optional garnish or 2 cups cooked white or wild rice, French bread and a green salad, this soup serves ten to twelve. A hearty winter dinner!