1 lb. dried kidney beans
2 qt. water
1 lb. ham, cubed
3 onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 can tomato paste
1 pkg. dried onion soup
1 bay leaf

Wash and pick over beans. Cover in cold water and soak overnight. In a large pot add beans and 2 quarts of fresh water or enough water to cover beans, onions, garlic, ham, tomato paste, bay leaf and onion soup. Cover and cook on medium for several hours, until of creamy consistency. If beans become too dry, add heated water. Serve with UNCLE BEN'S® white rice and French bread. Marinate an onion in vinegar and serve over beans if desired. Tabasco sauce is great, too.