Azore-Style Feijos (Beans) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups dried pink beans, picked over and soaked
8 cups water
3 -4 slices bacon, crisply cooked (substitute ham hock, read NOTE*)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander seed
5 -6 whole cloves
8 whole allspice
2 bay leaves
6 ounces tomatoes (diced or pureed)
salt and pepper

Preparation

*NOTE: Can also substitute sausage for the bacon or ham hock. Portuguese linguica, Spanish chorizo or Louisiana andouille, vegetarian \"soyrizo\", etc. are suggestions. My preference being bacon as I don't care for sausage or ham hock.
For additional flavor, I usually dry roast the spices in a castiron skillet.
Soak the beans overnight. Cook the bacon or ham hock and drain on paper towel. Next saute the onion and garlic. Once cooled, break up the bacon into little pieces.
In large Dutch oven or in crock pot, combine all the ingredients, including the water, excluding the salt. If using a Dutch oven, simmer the beans on medium-low for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are soft.
If using a crock pot simmer on low 8 hours or until beans are soft. Salt the beans once cooked.
Adjust seasoning before serving. Now season with salt.
Remove whole cloves, cinnamon stick and whole allspice.
Great with freshly baked, crusty bread. Tastes even better if prepared one day ahead then warmed.