🫘 Pinto Beans with Smoked Ham Hocks

🛒 Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust later)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 6 cups water or broth
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Soak Beans:

• Rinse beans and soak overnight (or quick soak: boil 5 min, rest 1 hour).

2. Cook:

• In a large pot, add beans, ham hocks, onion, garlic, and water/broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.

3. Simmer:

• Cook for 1.5 to 2.5 hours until beans are tender.
• Stir occasionally and add water if needed.

4. Finish:

• Remove ham hocks, shred meat, discard bones.
• Return meat to pot and season to taste.

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🍞 Cornbread

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup oil or melted butter
• 1 egg

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👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Add milk, egg, and oil—mix until smooth.
4. Pour into a greased pan.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.