Pinto Beans w/ Ham Delish

Beans, pinto, dried, 3.25 cups (1 lb.)
Onions, rough chop, 1 large
Garlic, chopped,1 clove
Cumin , 1 tsp
Chili powder, 1 tbsp
Ham, extra lean, (5% fat), chopped in small pieces,12 oz.
olive oil, 1 tsp.
water, 6 cups
salt, to taste (not in nutrtional info)

Wash, sort, soak, and drain beans, as usual. I like the overnight soak, but the quick soak works, also. (See package directions.) Saute' onions, garlic and ham in olive oil until fragrant (about 4-5 minutes). Add drained beans. Cover with water and cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Cover the pot but tilt the lid so the beans won't get mushy. Beans are done when they can easily be mashed with a fork against the side of the pot. Add salt when beans are just tender so the cooking process won't be slowed down. Makes about 15 3/4-cup servings. Enjoy!

Number of Servings: 15

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user MABOUGIRL.