Sort and Rinse Beans. Discard any Rocks or Debris. Soak Beans in Fresh Water for at least 12 Hours. If you Plan to use the Ham Flavor Packet, Set it Aside. Otherwise, Throw it Away.

Heat Oil and/or Butter in a Large Soup Pot over Medium Heat. Add Onions. Stir and Cook until Translucent and Soft. Add Garlic and Chili Powder. Stir Frequently for a Few Minutes. If using Diced Ham or Smoked Sausage, Add it Now. Cook for another 5 Minutes or so, Stirring Occasionally. Stir in Diced Tomatoes. If using a Ham Hock, Make a Crater in the Center of the Pot, and Nestle Ham Hock in it.

Add Water/Broth and Beans. You can Add the Bouillon now too, if using. If your Ham or Sausage is really salty, or If you Used a Salty Broth, Maybe wait Until the End of Cooking to add Bouillon. Bring to a Rolling Boil, Cover and then Turn Down Heat to Medium or Medium Low to Simmer. Allow to Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 Hours. If using Ham Hock, Use some Tongs to Remove from Soup. Allow to Cool some, and then Remove all the Ham off the Bone. Place Ham Meat back in the Soup.

Taste the Soup, and Check if the Beans are Fully Cooked. Also Taste for Seasoning. If using Ham Flavor Packet, Add it Now. Add the Lemon Juice and Zest. This Adds a Wonderful Brightness to the Soup, and it Cuts the Heaviness of the Beans and Ham. If you Like the Soup as is, you can Leave it Out.

Ladle Soup into a Bowl and Serve. This goes Great with a Slice of Cornbread, and you can Find my Homemade Cornbread Recipe on my Recipe Page. Enjoy!

Note: If You Enjoy A Bit More Tomato & Spice, I Highly Recommend Adding An Additional 10 oz. Can Of Rotel Diced Tomatoes, Along With The Other Diced Tomatoes! 😋