Best Pinto Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh pinto beans, sorted and rinsed*
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 1 (32-ounce) container chicken broth
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• Dash of red hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Hot cooked rice

Preparation

1. Place beans in a large Dutch oven, and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook, uncovered, 30 minutes. Drain.
2. Add ham hock, tomatoes, broth, and next 10 ingredients to Dutch oven with beans; cook 55 minutes or until beans are tender. Serve over rice.
3. *Dried pinto beans may be substituted for fresh.