Sort through beans to make sure that they are free of any small stones, dirt, or other foreign pieces that may have made their way into the beans during harvesting.

Give the beans a rinse, add to a bowl and cover with 4 cups of water. Soak the beans overnight.

Discard the water used for soaking and give the beans a rinse.

Add beans to a stock pot along with 4 cups of water, or stock for extra flavor, and ham hock. You can use salt pork or bacon pieces for flavor as well if you prefer. Add extra liquid to the beans as they cook if needed.

Simmer beans over a medium heat for 2 hours or until desired tenderness.

At the end of cooking time, season with salt and pepper. Other seasonings can be used to taste if desired such as cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder to add the flavors you enjoy.