Pinto Beans and Ham with Sprigs Rosemary

Serves 8 in about 8 hours. The slow cooker brings meaty ham bone and thyme leaves together.

Ingredients

• 1 meaty ham bone
• 2 ½ cups pinto beans (dry or soaked overnight)
• 8 cups water (6 cups for soaked beans)
• 1 large bay leaf
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (or to taste)
• 1 lg onion, diced
• ½ teaspoon thyme leaves, dried (not ground)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Method

1. Rinse your meaty ham bone (especially if it has pineapple/fruit on it).
2. Tip in everything except for the salt to the crock. Stir.
3. Simmer on High for 7-8 hours (for soaked beans cook on Low for 7-8 hours). Mix halfway through cook time and add water if beans are not covered.
4. Lift out the ham bone and bay leaf and discard.
5. Taste and add salt if needed.
6. Plate with some bread, if you want it.

More slow cooker ideas are in the slow cooker collection.