Step 1

Rinse the beans 2 or 3 times in cold water to remove dirt. Discard any bad beans.

Step 2

Add the rinsed beans in a large bowl covered with water; cover bowl with a lid or large plate. Soak the beans overnight at room temperature.

Step 3

Next morning, drain the beans in a colander.

Step 4

Place the ham hock in a crock-pot. Add the drained beans, onion, garlic, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for about 5-7 hours, or until beans are tender.

Step 5

Remove the meat from the ham hock(s) and return the meat back to the crock pot. Salt and pepper the beans the last 10 minutes of cooking, if salt is needed. Serve with hot buttered corn bread.