Ham Hock Beans
Ingredients:
1 pound dried pinto beans or white beans
2 smoked ham hocks
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups water or chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
Instructions:
Rinse the beans and soak them overnight in water. Drain before cooking.
Place the beans, ham hocks, onion, garlic, water or chicken broth, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves into a large pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy.
Remove the ham hocks from the pot. Shred the meat from the bones and return the meat to the beans. Discard the bones and bay leaves.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with cornbread or rice.