Step 1

1 There is no need to soak your beans. But if you want to it will cut down on cooking time. Soak the beans in cold water for 5 or 6 hours or overnight. Make sure that there is water 3 or 4 inches above the beans, because the beans will swell up.

Step 2

2 Dice the Jowls into 1/4-to-1/2-inch cubes.

Step 3

3 In a large cooking pot, over medium-to-medium high heat, pour in the cooking oil and toss in the diced smoked jowls. Stir and allow them to render over medium-to-medium high heat for a few minutes, (maybe 7 to 8 minutes, stirring to help them brown on all sides.

Step 4

4 Add the onion and allow to cook until the onion is translucent, stirring often.

Step 5

5 After they cook and become tender, deglaze the pot with a little of the chicken broth or stock, (maybe 5 or 6 ounces).

Step 6

6 If you soaked the beans; rinse them in fresh water a final time and, after draining, add them, plus all the remaining ingredients into the pot. This should include the 2 pints of water.

Step 7

7 Boil, covered, turn to low heat until beans are tender, stirring occasionally and replacing water as needed. Should take approx. 2-3 hours.

Step 8

8 If you did not soak the beans, it may take 3 to 4 hours, until the beans are tender.

Step 9

9 Adjust seasonings and serve with anything you like for a good, down home, country meal, (for me I like cornbread).