Hearty Pinto Bean and Ham Bone Soup

Ingredients

• Pinto beans (1 pound, soaked overnight)
• Ham bone (1 large, with some meat attached)
• Water (8 cups)
• Onion (1 medium, diced)
• Carrots (2 medium, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and soak them in a large bowl of water overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before using.
2. In a large pot, combine the soaked pinto beans, ham bone, diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
4. Carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly, then discard any excess fat or bone. Shred the meat and return it to the pot, stirring well.
5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the hearty goodness!