This recipe was sent to me to try from a very dear Friend
I have met here on line she goes by the name Nancyb
Thank you my friend  it was delicous



1 pound navy beans in 6 cups water - boil 2 min and let stand 1 hr
 
add:  1 pound ham hock or 4 sl bacon
          2 cups water
 
bouquet garni:  1 bay leaf, 3 whole cloves & 4 peppercorns
 
simmer over med heat 1 1/2 - 2 hrs or til beans tender
 
add:  1 cup chopped spinach (optional)
         1/2 cup chopped onion
         1 28 ounce can whole tomatoes
         2 cloves minced garlic
         1 teaspoon each- basil, oregano, salt
         1/2 teaspoon pepper
 
simmer 1/2 hr and remove bouquet garni
trim meat if necessary, dice & return to soup
 
makes 3 1/2 qts