In a saucepan put all the ingredients with 6 cups of water
Bring to a boil over high heat
Reduce to low
Simmer until beans are tender and soup is thick, about 90 minutes
Add more water if needed. Discard bay leaves. Serve!

CAN BE MADE VEGAN, MADE TO ORDER!

In a saucepan put all the ingredients with 4 cups of water
Add 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
Bring to a boil over high heat
Reduce to low
Simmer until barley is tender, about 20 minutes
Serve topped with grated cheese

Pour the beans in a colander, and rinse.
Place beans in large pot with 7 cups of water
Add 1 chopped onion (optional) and seasoning packet
Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
For a thicker soup, remove the cover in the last 15 minutes.

CAN BE MADE VEGAN, MADE TO ORDER!

Place all contents in a pan with
3 ¼ cups of water
Add 2 Tbsp of butter
Cover and bring to a boil
Reduce heat and simmer covered, for 20 minutes.

Rinse beans in a colander.
Remove rice packet and set aside.
Place beans in a micro-safe dish.
Cover with water, about 1 inch above them.
Cover with plastic wrap, turning back 1 corner for steam.
Microwave on high for 15 minutes.
Rinse in colander again.
Place beans in a medium pot with seasonings and 5 ½ cups water.
Add 1 can (10oz) diced Rotel tomatoes and green chilies.
Cover and bring to a boil.
Stir, lower heat to simmer, and cook for 1 hour.
Add rice, stir.
Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
Serve.