Southern Ham and Brown Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry pinto beans
• 1 large , meaty ham hock
• 1 large onion , chopped
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 8 cups water
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt , or to taste
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper , or to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Combine beans, ham hock, onion, garlic, and water in a large stockpot.

3. 3

   Season with chili powder, salt, and pepper.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.

5. 5

   After 1 hour, return the pot to the stovetop and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until flavors have blended and broth has thickened, at least 3 hours, or up to 6 hours.

6. 6

   During the last 15 minutes of simmering, transfer ham hock to a cutting board. Let sit until cool enough to handle, 5 to 10 minutes, then pull meat from the bone.

7. 7

   Return meat to the stockpot and discard the bone. Adjust seasonings to taste.