Pinto Beans, Ham Hocks, And Rice - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb dried pinto bean
1 1/2 lbs smoked ham hocks (2)
2 quarts water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce
1 cup long grain white rice
1 large green pepper, diced
6 green onions, chopped, white and green parts
2 cups chopped ham (optional)

Preparation

Sort and wash beans; place them in a large pot, add water to cover them and let soak about 8 hours; drain, rinse and then put back into pot with 2 quarts water.
Bring beans, ham hocks and all the spices to a boil in the same pot as before; cover, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally about 2 and a half hours or until beans are tender.
Stir in rice, onions, green pepper, brown sugar, rice and ham if using; cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until rice is tender; remove ham hocks, chop off meat and add back to pot.
Serve with more green onions, some extra hot sauce if that's your thing, and a big pan of cornbread and you have a wonderful country style meal.