Ingredients

• 1 lb dried pinto bean, sorted,rinsed and drained
• 8 cups water
• 1 -1 1/2 lb ham shank
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 limes

Instructions

1. In a large kettle, add the beans and pour in water.

2. You want the water to cover with enough water about 2 inches above beans.

3. Cover and let stand overnight.

4. Bring beans to a boil for 2 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and cover for 1 hour or until tender.

6. Drain the beans and add the 8 cups of water.

7. Then add ham, onions, and garlic.

8. Bring the water to a boil and cook the bean for 10 minutes.

9. Then reduce the kettle’s heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.

10. Then remove the ham.

11. Allow the ham to cool, then cut into ½- inch pieces.

12. Return ham to the kettle.

13. You add the cumin, oregano, cilantro, and pepper next.

14. Continue to simmer for an additional 1 hour.

15. The beans should be very tender and with little liquid.

16. If the beans become too dry, add a little water.

17. If the beans are too soupy, continue to cook.

18. Now is the time to add the salt.

19. Cut limes into wedges and squeeze into beans.