Pinto Beans, Ham Hocks, And Rice

• 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)

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

pinto bean, ham hocks, water, salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, cajun seasoning, brown sugar, long grain white rice, green pepper, green onions, ham

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/pinto-beans-ham-hocks-and-rice-167798 (may not work)