Tulsa Public Schools Brown Bean Chowder 1965

Step 1: Place the beans and water in a large pot.

Step 2: Add water and baking soda.

Step 3: Soak overnight.

Step 4: Next day, drain and add water.

Step 5: Bring to a boil, and cook until the beans are almost tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

Step 6: Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.

Step 7: While the beans are cooking, crumble the ground beef into a large skillet with hot bacon grease over medium-high heat.

Step 8: Add onion and garlic.

Step 9: Cook and stir until onion is tender and meat is browned.

Step 10: Drain off excess grease, and stir in the tomato puree, ketchup, 1 tablespoon chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon salt (to taste) and bread crumbs.

Step 11: Stir into the pot with the beans, adding more water if needed to achieve your desired thickness.

Step 12: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.