Portuguese Bean Recipe

 
1lb navy beans or substitute Azuki beans, or small pink beans
2 smoked ham hocks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 fourth to 1 half lb of smoked bacon, diced
1 large sweet yellow onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 can tomato paste
1 half tsp ground cumin
1 fourth tsp all-spice
1 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
1 tsp pepper (more or less to taste)


Rinse the beans in cold water, and then soak overnight in water, keep the water level above the beans for efficient absorption. Once this has been done you are ready to cook. Put your beans in a big pot and add water to top level of beans, add the tomato paste, spices and the ham hocks, and set stovetop to low heat. In a separate pan heat olive oil, and add bacon, onions and garlic. cook until slightly browned, and then add to beans. let your beans cook on low heat for about 4 hours, keeping the water level topped and stirring occasionally. Then serve.