Portuguese Beans

This recipe was made by my great grandmother, my grandmother, and my mother.  I have recently reworked it to fit my crock pot.  My Portuguese ancestors settled in Santa Clara and surrounding areas after first going through Hawaii from the Azores.  I hope this translates well!

1 pkg. dry pink beans (pinto beans can be substituted. )
1 pkg linquica (portuguese sausage) chorizo could probably be a good sub as well.
1 ham hock with or without bone.  To fit in the crock you may need to cut it into chunks first.
1 yellow onion
1-2 cloves minced garlic
1 15oz can tomato sauce

Add pink beans and 4 cups water to crock pot.
cook beans on high 2 hours, until beans are al dente.
Add remaining ingredients.
Continue cooking on high 4-6 hours.
I have a larger crock pot and everything just fit.  It can still be done on the stove, but I like the idea of being able to just leave it for the day and coming home to a meaty aroma.

This is such a hearty meal!  Perfect for cold weather.  Very comforting.  We always spooned it over a slice of bread, but you could easily put it over rice or potatoes, maybe even cornbread!  It is also just great alone in a bowl as stew.