Boiled Pinto Beans

Yields about 4 cups cooked beans and 2 cups broth.

2 cups dry pinto beans

1 leftover ham bone, 6 slices bacon, chopped and fried ( add bacon and grease to bens, 1 to 2 ham hock OR 1/2 of a small block of salt pork.. Sometimes I just put a package of pork chops in the pot.. 

1 garlic clove, slightly crushed

1 onion, chopped

6 to 8 cups hot water

1 teaspoon salt and pepper if desired

I cut a jalapeno in half and drop in the pot.. Take the seeds out for a milder taste.

 

Clean beans and rinse in cold water once or twice until water runs clear.

 

 Cover beans with hot water and soak overnight.

 

Place hot water in a large pot that has a tight-fitting lid.

 

 Add pinto beans, garlic clove, onion and water. Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium, keeping it at a simmer. Cook, covered, for 2 or 3 hours or until tender.

 

If more water is needed always add boiling water, a cup or so at a time.

 

Add salt after beans are soft.

 

NOTE:  When my beans get done I take my potato masher and mash them ( all the way to the bttom of the pot ) 3 or 4 times, this makes the juice thicken, after doing this let them cook another 15 minutes on medium high. Stir ofteen so they don't scorch.

 

Serve with cornbread and fried potatoes for a real treat !!! yumm