Pinto Beans
Author: 
 
My Mammaw's southern style pinto beans recipe.
Ingredients
  • 1 pound bag dry pinto beans
  • Leftover hambone or smoked ham hocks
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste, but only if needed.
Instructions
  1. Rinse the beans and throw away any that look odd. You'll know it when you see it.
  2. Put the beans in a large pot of water and bring to a boil.
  3. Once the water is rapidly boiling, put the lid on the pot and turn off the burner.
  4. Let the beans soak for one hour, covered.
  5. Drain the beans in a colander.
  6. Put the pinto beans back into the pot and add the leftover hambone or store bought ham hocks.
  7. Cover the beans with water until the water is 2 inches above the beans.
  8. Bring to a boil.
  9. Once the water boils, cover and turn the heat down to a simmer for about 3-4 hours. Sneak-a-peek at the beans from time to time. If they need water, add hot water and continue to simmer.
  10. However, and this is VERY important:  Do not add any seasonings yet.  Nothing.  Let the ham do its magic.  The juices will reduce over time and you will more than likely find that the beans do not need any seasoning.
  11. For thicker beans, simmer uncovered until they are the way you like them.  I usually allow them to simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes.
  12. Serve over crumbled cornbread or rice or both.
Recipe by Necessary Indulgences at https://necessaryindulgences.com/2012/10/pinto-beans/