Pinto Beans - cooking recipe

Ingredients

pinto beans
water
salt and pepper to taste
1 large bell pepper, minced
1 large onion, minced
ham bone or hocks
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
2 cans stewed tomatoes
dash of Tabasco, if desired
1 Tbsp. basil

Preparation

Soak beans overnight in water, salt and pepper.
Keep water over the top of beans.
Stir and discard bean pieces which float to the top.
Cover with fresh water.
Boil 1 hour; drain.
Return beans to kettle.
Add all ingredients and water to cover beans. Simmer several hours.
Stir occasionally (too much stirring causes beans to get mushy).
Always keep enough water in kettle.
Eat as is or add to chili, refried, etc.