Tasty Pinto Beans - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. dried pinto beans
cooking spray
2 c. onion, chopped
2 1/2 c. celery, chopped
1 c. green onions, chopped
1 c. green pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. red pepper
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. hot sauce
2 bay leaves
water
1 slice ham, cut up (or 1 lb. smoked sausage cut up)

Preparation

Soak beans in water for 8 hours. Spray a large dutch oven with cooking spray. Add vegetables and saute until tender. Drain beans and add to vegetables. Cover with fresh water. Add all seasonings; bring to a rolling boil and reduce heat to simmering. Check often and add water if necessary. Cook 2 to 3 hours or until tender. During the last hour, add ham chunks or sausage that has been cut up. Serve with rice and cornbread.