French Market Soup

12 oz pkg dried soup bean mix
9 cups water
1 cup ham cubes or meaty ham bone
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
16 oz can tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp hot sauce (I like Frank’s)

In large pot, cover beans with water. Soak overnight. Drain and add 9 cups water, ham, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cook, uncovered for 3 hours or until beans are very tender (High altitude takes longer). If you used a ham bone, remove bone; remove meat from bone and chop into bite-size pieces. Return meat to pot. Add tomatoes, onion, celery, garlic, lemon juice and hot sauce. Simmer an additional 30 minutes. Garnish each serving with shredded cheese and/or homemade croûtons.