Beans and rice

Ham hoc in water

Soaked pinto beans in a jar

Ham hoc cooked, beans begin cooking.

Beans, cooked

How to make perfect white rice.

One cup short grain rice, rinse briefly in cold water

Two cup water, bring to full boil

Reduce heat to as low as possible, steam rice for 25 minutes. A timer is essential.

Kill heat, continue steaming off heat for 10 additional minutes. Do not open top to check progress as this will release the steam, and you don't want that.

Ta daaaaa.  Cooked rice