Simple Pinto Bean and Ham Soup

Ingredients

• 1 ham bone, leftover from 13 lb country ham
• 12 quarts water
• 5 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon celery seed
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
• 1 onion, rough chopped
• 2 cups pinto beans, washed and picked over
• water, to cover beans

Directions

1. 1

   Place ham bone in a 12 quart soup pan.

2. 2

   Add the bay leaves, celery seed, mustard seed, and chopped onion.

3. 3

   Bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Boil for about an hour, lower heat to a simmer.

5. 5

   Add red pepper flakes.

6. 6

   Cover and continue to simmer for an addition 17 hours.

7. 7

   Skim any skum from top as simmering progresses.

8. 8

   Meanwhile place pinto beans in a large pan and cover with water .

9. 9

   Soak beans over night or at least 8 hours.

10. 10

    Remove lid from ham broth.

11. 11

    Add beans and enough water to bring back up to starting volume of liquid.

12. 12

    Bring back to a boil.

13. 13

    Simmer uncovered for 2 hours.

14. 14

    Serve.