Pinto Bean and Ham Bone Soup

Ingredients

• Water (8 cups)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Carrots (2, diced)
• Onion (1, diced)
• Ham bone (1)
• Pinto beans (1 pound, dried)

Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse 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, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Remove the ham bone from the soup and discard any excess fat or bone. Shred the meat and return it to the pot.
5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!