Green Beans Potatoes

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh, frozen or canned green beans (If fresh, remove ends and break into pieces and wash the beans)
6 or 7 red potatoes, cut in pieces (I have made this using any kind of potatoes)
1 to 2 cups chicken broth or 1 (14.5 ounce) can (You don’t have to use the chicken broth. I just think it makes them better)
1 ham hock (Can use cooked ham, bacon, pork jowl or salt pork about a half cup, chopped)
2 to 3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely diced onion (Optional)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (Optional)