Plains Tribes Dried Corn Soup

1 ear dried blue and white of other corn -- removed from

the cob 7 cups water

1 strip fatback -- sliced

5 ounces dried beef -- or buffalo

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Soak the corn in 2 cups water for 48 hours. Place the corn and its soaked water in a large saucepan. Addthe remaining water and the fatback and simmer, covered for about 3 hours and 50 minutes or until the corn is tender but not soft. Mix in the dreid beef or buffalo and pepper. Simmer, stirring for 10 more minutes. Serve hot.