Ham Hock and Beans

This is a recipie my mom made when I was growing up. My hubby's grandmother used to make them for him too. They're something we enjoy occasionally as the weather starts to cool off.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6 medium smoked ham hocks, about 4 ounces each
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 pound dried navy white beans
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 cups water
• Salt
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  

Directions

In a medium pot with a lid, over medium heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, sear the ham hocks in batches, until brown, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the ham hock and set aside. Add the onions. Season with pepper. Saute for 2 minutes. Stir in the beans and bay leaves. Season with pepper. Saute for 1 minute. Add the reserved ham hocks and water. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 2 hours, or until the meat falls off the bone and the beans are creamy. Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.