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1
Prepare lima beans by picking over to remove any debris that might be i n package.
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2
Rinse beans well.
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3
Cover with about 8 cups water.
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4
Bring to a boil, cover and boil 2 minutes.
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5
Remove from heat, keep covered and allow to stand for 1 hour or more.
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6
While beans are soaking, prepare the ham hocks (or use meaty ham bones) .
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7
Combine the 3 cups broth and 3 cups water in a large heavy pan with lid; bring to a boil.
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8
Add the ham and simmer for about 1 hour.
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9
Drain the beans, running hot water over beans briefly to rinse.
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10
Add the beans to the ham mixture.
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11
Slice the onions and separate into rings.
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12
Add the onions, along with the carrots, celery, and bay leaf, to the pot.
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13
Mince the garlic cloves or use a garlic press; add to mixture.
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14
Add fresh ground black pepper a nd salt if you prefer.
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15
Ham is salted already so you may not want to add salt at this point.
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16
Pour additional broth or hot water over this mixture to reach about 1 inch above the ingredients.
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17
Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring several times, checking to see if you need to add more liquid.
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18
After beans and vegetables are tender, remove the ham hocks or bone.
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19
Remove the meat from bones and add back to the bean mixture.
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20
Taste and add more salt or pepper if you wish; also add hot pepper sauce to your taste.
