Bean Love Soup

Step 1 -In a large pot, add the beans and enough of the extra water to cover them. Reserve the seasoning packet.

Step 2 -Cover the pot and let the beans soak, for at least 8 hours and up to overnight.

Step 3 -Drain and discard the water from the beans.

Step 4 -In a second large pot, add the remaining 4 cups of water, the chicken broth, and the smoked ham hock and bring to a boil.

Step 5 -Reduce the heat to simmer and cook, covered, about 1 hour.

Step 6 -Add the onion, the garlic, and the beans to the ham hock mixture and stir to combine.

Step 7 -Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the soup, covered, until the beans are tender, about 1 hour 30 mintutes-2 hours.

Step 8 -Add the tomatoes and their juices, the chili powder, and the lemon juice to the soup and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened, about 30 minutes.

Step 9 -Add the reserved seasoning packet to the soup and stir to combine.

Step 10 -Taste the soup and season with the salt and the black pepper, as needed. Stir to combine.

Step 11 -Simmer the soup for 1 minute.

Step 12 -Serve the soup garnished with the parsley.