recipe for brown beans

Ingredients 1 pound dried pinto beans or brown beans 1 large onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 smoked ham hocks or a smoked turkey leg 6 cups water (or enough to cover the beans) 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat) 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon vegetable oil