Pinto Beans and Ham Hock 1 smoked ham hock Water 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups dried pinto beans 1 cup onion, coarsely chopped 3/4 teaspoon pepper Place ham hock and salt in large Dutch oven or saucepot. Add enough water to cover. Cook ham, covered, over moderately high heat until water comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 30 minutes. Add beans, onion and pepper to ham and cook, covered, for approximately 3 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Remove meat from the ham bone and serve a little of the meat with each serving.