2 c. dried pinto beans
8 oz. Virginia ham (mild cured), cut in sm. pieces
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 sm. chopped onion
4 c. water

Wash beans. Discard discolored ones. Soak in room temperature water for 8 hours. Change water several times during soaking. After soaking, drain beans and put beans in a large pot with 4 cups of water. Add onion and ham. Bring to boil, then lower heat and simmer, uncovered, until tender, 2 hours. Do not allow pot to boil again. Prepare rice separately to taste. Serve pinto beans over hot steamed rice.