(Once in a while I will make a fresh pot as a main course with heated flour tortillas):
Recipe.. 1 to 1.5 lbs of dried pinto beans in large boiler pan with water and with lid-fresh ham hock-can of chicken broth-fresh garlic-fresh white onions-ground black pepper-green bell pepper and/or jalapenos-small can tomato sauce-can of petite diced peeled tomatoes in tomato juice- LOW BOIL ALL until beans begin to soften..it takes a while (1.5hrs+)- then ~10 minutes before done..add fresh Cilantro, serve in a soup type bowl, and heat Flour Tortillas)

Also, it is important to "add the correct amount of water in the beginning to the boiler pan with lid"..this is something that is learned through experience of trying this recipe a couple of times: Not enough H2O in the beginning cooking stages is not good and needing to add extra H2O later in the cooking stages, makes for less spiced/tasty bean broth.