Tex Mex Bean Soup

The children's nursery rhyme that beans are good for your heart is true. Beans are high in soluble fiber, magnesium, folate, potassium, and protein. In case you don't know soluble fiber makes you feel full longer so it's a great way to lose weight. If you feel full your not going to be wanting to eat as often.

Folate In Beans Can Improve Your Long Term Memory

Many studies into beans have determined that the folate in beans can improve your long term memory and improve your mood. People who eat a lot of beans really do have less stress.

Black Beans Can Prevent Migraine Headaches

Black beans have a huge amount of protein, soluble fiber, folate, magnesium, and potassium. Did you know that the magnesium in black beans can help to prevent migraine headaches. If you suffer from migraine headaches you should try to eat cooked black beans at least 2 - 3 times weekly.

Garbanzo Beans Also Known As Chickpeas Are Also Really Good For You

Garbanzo Beans and lima beans are high in magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is a powerful anti oxidant and magnesium can help to prevent migraine headaches.

White Beans Are A Great Source Of Non Dairy Calcium

White beans of all types are a great source of non dairy calcium and they can help you to develop strong bones and prevent the effects of PMS in women.

Kidney Beans Contain Heart Healthy Nutrients

You may not believe it but kidney beans contain nutrients which are really good for your heart. Kidney beans also contain high levels of Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. We also know that Vitamin C can prevent the common cold and the flu.

We Should All Eat More Beans

I think we should all eat more beans. The recipe here for Tex Mex Bean Soup is one of the best tasting bean soups that you'll ever eat in your life. I know that's quite a claim but it really is that good.

This combination of two kinds of dried beans , a ham hock and a hint of jalapeno makes this a bean soup that is a real winner plus we have added in some other ingredients to make this one of the best bean soups you will ever eat. Its wonderful served in a bowl over corn bread or rice and it is oh so delicious.

For Your Recipe You Will Need

1. One Cup Dried Navy Beans.

2. One Cup Dried Black Beans.

3. 4 Quarts Water.

4. 1-2 Large Well Washed Ham Hocks.

5. 2 Cups Canned Diced Tomatoes.

6. 1 Large Purple Onion Diced Fine.

7. 1 Cup Celery Diced Fine.

8. 1 Cup Green Pepper Diced Fine.

9. 2 Jalapeno Peppers Diced Very Fine.

10. 1 Teaspoon Ground Sea Salt.

11. 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper.

12. 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper.

You will want to wash your beans and look them well for damaged beans or small stones or dirt and then soak your beans mixed together in a pot covered with the water. You can soak your beans either for eight hours or overnight.

Now you will want to add all your other ingredients to a stock pot and add in your beans and the water. You may or may not have to add more water depending on how much water your beans have soaked up.

Now you will want to cook your beans at medium heat stirring frequently for 2-4 hours until your beans are done and your bean soup is thick. Your ham hock or ham hocks should be falling apart at this time if done. If not cook a little longer. Be sure to stir your bean soup often while it is cooking so it does not stick and scorch. You can spray your pot down well with a good vegetable cooking spray before you put your beans in the pot to help keep the beans from sticking.

Serve your beans and soup over rice or cornbread. And I guarantee you that you will find that you have just cooked some of the best tasting bean soup you will ever eat.