Southern Lima Beans Over White Rice

Step 1: Soak beans overnight.

Step 2: Drain.

Step 3: Meanwhile, add the oil to the pot and saute celery and onions together, until onion is clear and tender, add garlic and sauté about 2 minutes more.

Step 4: Add the beans and cover with water.

Step 5: Add ham hock, pepper and salt to taste.

Step 6: Bring to a boil; stir, reduce heat and cover and simmer for about 2 hours.

Step 7: Keep checking the water level and stirring every once in a while.

Step 8: Add more water if needed, but not too much.

Step 9: Just enough to keep about 1 inch of water above the beans as they cook.

Step 10: Cook until beans are tender, adding more salt if needed.

Step 11: Deboned ham hock.

Step 12: Add to beans.

Step 13: Serve over rice.