- 1). Brown the bacon in the large soup pot on medium heat. Add one stick of butter and let it also melt, stirring slightly.
- 2). Add onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic. Stir and cook until vegetables are tender.
- 3). Add beans and water and cover. Cook on medium heat for approximately one hour. Check water level occasionally, making sure it stays at least an inch above the beans.
- 4). Add ham hocks and cook for 30 minutes.
- 5). Add the rest of the seasonings and cook for 30 more minutes. Total cook time is approximately 2-3 hours. Serve over steamed rice.
Source...