Crock Pot Pinto Beans & Ham

Sort your beans and remove and broken pieces or pebbles. Place in a large bowl or pot, covering with water. Let soak overnight. I add some baking soda to the water when i soak my beans it helps with gas that comes along with bean territory. In the morning drain the water. Add the beans to your crock pot and cover with new water. Add the following according to taste: 1 tablespoon each of salt, sugar, and 2 - 3 Tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1/2 tablespoon of pepper. I also added a little bit of Emerils Essence Seasoning. I just used a couple shakes.

Taste the beans after several hours of cooking and add more seasonings if you think it needs it. I used a total of about 2 tablespoons pepper. Add one of the following for additional seasoning : Ham hock, ham bone, or slice of country ham cut into pieces. Place lid on crock pot and cook on high for about 6-8 hours. Do not open the lid to check or stir for at least 3 hours and if you do, cover them back up. If you need more water, then add it. The beans should have a soup consistency. In 6 hours, test beans and if they are cooked, you are done. Still hard? Add some more time. Serve with a wedge of cornbread.


Recipe Courtesy of: Southern Plate