Name: Hearty Mixed Bean Soup
Ingredients: 1 lb of assorted dried beans (a 1 lb bag of “soup” beans works well or any combination you have on hand); 2-1/2 quarts (10 cups) boiling water; 1 bay leaf; 1 meaty ham hock, regular or smoked, approximately 1/2 lb (see note above for gluten-free); 2 tsp vegetable oil; 2 medium onions, peeled and coarsely chopped (approximately 2 cups); 3 medium garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced; 2 cups coarsely chopped celery; 3 large carrots, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (approximately 2 cups); 2 (15 oz) cans chopped tomatoes (gluten-free if needed); 1/2 tsp ground chipotle pepper, optional; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper, to taste