Do you know the kind of person who thinks soup isn't a meal? Make this for them and they will change their mind. Guaranteed.

A big pot of soup is the ultimate comfort food! It’s packed with tender pinto beans, loads of vegetables, pieces of briny ham and fresh and dried herbs in an uber-flavorful ham hock broth.

Drain the soaked beans and discard the water. Place the beans, ham hocks, chicken broth, and bay leaf in a soup pot; do not add salt at this stage. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour ...