Sopa Buena

Directions

1. 1
   Place your beans in a big bowl and cover with water 2 or 3 inches above them and soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. 2
   Drain the beans and set them aside in a collander.
3. 3
   In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil on medium high heat.
4. 4
   Saute the onions and garlic with the lemon juice and crushed chipotle peppers until the onion is soft.
5. 5
   (about 2 minutes).
6. 6
   Add the beans and water then stir.
7. 7
   Bring to a boil, add the ham, then reduce heat to a medium simmer.
8. 8
   Simmer for 1 hour, uncovered.
9. 9
   Add the tomatoes with their juice and break them up a little in the soup with a spoon.
10. 10
    Add the Ro-tel with its juice and the brown sugar.
11. 11
    Stir, then turn heat down to a low simmer, uncovered, for 1 more hour or until beans are al dente to your taste.
12. 12
    Serve with sour cream (optional).