Rinse the beans and add them to the slow cooker. No need to soak. If you want to soak the beans overnight, you can, but drain the beans before starting the recipe.
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, ham hock, onion, jalapeno, garlic, chili powder, onion powder, and pepper. WAIT TO ADD THE CILANTRO AND SALT.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 7 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
Remove the ham hock onto a plate, remove any meat you can find off the ham hock, shred and put into the beans. (note that sometimes there is no meat on a ham hock, do fret, your beans are fine without this).
Add the cilantro, stir
Taste for salt, adding the desired amount.
Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
How can I thicken Black Bean Soup?
After the cooking time is up, take about 1 cup of the beans out into a small bowl.
Using a potato masher or fork, smash those beans in the bowl until smooth.
Add back to the soup and stir, and your soup will be thicker.
What can I use instead of a ham hock?
2 cups diced ham
2 cups diced kielbasa
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 package hot dogs, sliced
1 package bacon, cooked and crumbled
How can I make this vegan?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
Omit the ham hock.
Add 1/4 tsp. of liquid smoke to add flavor.
Nutritional values do not include any toppings or sides.