Helen's Bean Soup

Serves 6-8 (depending on bowl size)

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. dry pinto beans.  Wash and then soak the beans for about 12 hours (change the water one or two times and that will help to keep the beans from causing as much gas). 

Put soaked and drained beans into  a large kettle.
Add 2 and 1/2 quarts fresh water and simmer for 1 hour. 

Now, add: 
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 ham bone OR 1/2 lb. bacon fried, drained and broken into small pieces
1 tablespoon chili powder

Simmer this for about 2 hours.  Add 2 teaspoons salt in the last hour. 

If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans.