Instructions:

Triple T Pinto Beans

Tucson's Triple T truck stop at Interstate 10 and Exit 268 is represented by its Triple T Pinto Beans and Omar's Taco Soup. The soup has become legendary with drivers who frequent the restaurant. Triple T - the Tucson Truck Terminal - opened during the summer of 1954 on the north side of U.S. Highway 80 and moved 12 years later to 5451 E. Benson Highway. Omar Ramirez is the chef.

Serves 50.

12 pounds pinto beans, picked clean of rocks and thoroughly rinsed -
    place in a clean plastic container and soak overnight
1 kitchen spoon ham base
1 pound bacon, cut into small pieces
2 kitchen spoons oregano
3 chopped onions
Salt to taste

Place beans in a large stockpot, add the ham base, bacon, oregano, onions and salt. Cover with water plus one gallon. Bring to a boil and simmer for three hours. Skim as needed. Cook and place in clean containers, add the bean juice to cover.