1. This recipe is extremely forgiving. Use what you have available! Canned beans can be substituted for dried and cooked on low for 2-3 hours for a similar result.
2. Soaking option: soak beans overnight to shorten cooking time substantially.
3. Add pinto beans, onions, ham/bacon/ham hocks, stock and water to slow cooker.
4. Soaked: Cook on high for 5-6 hours.
5. No-Soak: Cook on high for 10-12 hours. You may need to add additional liquid depending on your beans and the temperature of your slow cooker (they vary in intensity).
6. I like to add my seasonings once the beans are noticeably soft but not completely broken down (about 3/4 of the way through). If you are not going to be around you can add the seasonings at the start or at the end (read
this great article on seasoning dry beans).
7. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.
8. Serve with homemade cornbread, honey, and butter.