Southern Ham and Pinto Beans

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Southern Ham and Pinto Beans.

1. Step 1

   To create a delicious pot of pinto bean soup, start by grabbing a large stockpot and adding your dry pinto beans, a flavorful ham hock, a finely chopped onion, and some minced garlic.

2. Step 2

   Next, pour in 8 cups of water, and sprinkle in chili powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.

3. Step 3

   Bring this hearty mixture to a boil and let it bubble away for about 2 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Once that’s done, take the pot off the heat, cover it up, and let it sit for an hour.

5. Step 5

   This soaking time is essential for the beans to soften and absorb all those wonderful flavors.

6. Step 6

   After the hour has passed, place the pot back on the stovetop and bring it to a boil again.

7. Step 7

   Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for at least 3 hours, or up to 6 hours if you have the time.

8. Step 8

   This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the broth to thicken into a comforting soup.

9. Step 9

   As you approach the final 15 minutes of cooking, carefully transfer the ham hock to a cutting board.

10. Step 10

    Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes, then pull the tender meat from the bone and return it to the pot, making sure to discard the bone.

11. Step 11

    Before serving, take a moment to taste your creation and adjust the seasonings if needed.

12. Step 12

    Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this homemade pinto bean soup, perfect for sharing with family and friends!.