Hearty Bean and Spam Soup

Hearty Bean and Spam Soup

Ingredients:

3 cloves garlic - minced 2 C. dried pinto beans - wash and soak overnight
& drain before using

12 oz can SPAM - cubed ½" ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 TBS. chili powder 1 quart water

3 bay leaves 2 (13-oz) cans tomato juice

1 tsp oregano 1 (14-oz) can chicken stock

1 tsp. cumin 1 medium onion - chopped

1 tsp. thyme

In 4-quart saucepan add all ingredients; stir to blend.

Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes.

Reduce heat to low; continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until soup is thickened (3 to 4 hours).

Remove bay leaves.

Yield: 6 servings