Southern Ham and Brown Beans

Place the beans and water in a large stockpot. Add the ham hock onion and garlic. Season with chili powder salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand for one hour.

Return the pot to the heat and bring to a boil once again. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 3 hours to blend flavors. The longer you simmer the thicker the broth will become. I like to cook mine for about 6 hours.

Remove the ham hock from the broth and let cool. Remove the meat from the bone and return the meat to the stockpot discarding the bone. Adjust seasonings to taste.