Cheap Bean Soup Recipe.......

A big pot of bean soup is easy on the budget and great for this cold weather. Here is a recipe I am going to try from www.cheapcooking.com ...........
Bean Soup
2 cups dried beans
3 Tbs chicken bouillon powder (i use the cubes)
1 Tbs dried minced onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbs dried parsley
1 tsp celery seeds
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups diced tomatoes (or 1 small can) (optional)
2 cups sliced sausage or browned hamburger or diced ham (optional)
I like to use a mix of dried beans for variety. Using 1/4 cup each of 8 different varieties makes a pretty and tasty combination or just use whatever you have around to make up about 2 cups of dried beans.
Soak beans overnight OR cover them with water and bring to a boil, simmer one minute, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let sit for one hour.
Rinse beans and add to soup pot. Cover with 8 cups of water. Stir in the seasonings. Stir in the tomatoes and/or meat if you are using.
Simmer for 2 to 2 ½ hours.