sort and wash beans. Place beans in a large pot, cover with water. Allow to soak overnight or at least 8 hrs.
2
After soaking, drain water.
3
Add beans, broth, and remaining ingredients except juice; bring to a boil.
4
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 1/2 hours.
5
Remove ham hock from pan; cool slightly. Remove ham from bones; finely chop and return meat to pan. Discard bones, skin, and fat. Discard bay leaf.
6
Stir in juice from canned tomatoes.
7
Note/Option: Soak the beans and chop the vegetables the night before to shave prep time. Measure one-quarter cupfuls of 15 varieties of dried beans to use in place of the 20-ounce variety mix. A serving contributes more than one-third of your daily fiber needs.