Step 1

Sort through dried beans, remove any debris. Soak beans overnight.

Step 2

Drain and rinse soaked beans and place them in slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients except for the kale, that will go in later. Give everything a stir. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or until the beans are tender. During last 30 minutes of cooking time, remove ham hocks from slow cooker. Pick off any meat you can find and add it to the slow cooker along with the kale. Discard the ham hocks.

Step 3

Optional - I like to take a fork and mash some of the beans in the soup. It makes a lovely texture! Feel free to add some of your favorite hot sauce. Enjoy!