white beans with bacon, spinach, and tomato

1/3 pound bacon or pancetta, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1 small white onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1 bunch spinach or Swiss chard, rinsed well and sliced to 3/4 inch
1 can diced tomatoes
2 pounds (approx.) cannelini, fava, or great northern white beans, canned or dried (be sure to carefully follow soaking instructions for dried beans!)

1. In a large skillet, fry the bacon or pancetta until crisp. Drain pan.

2. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, thyme and bay leaf and cook about 5 more minutes, until the onion is soft.

3. Add spinach or chard and cook another 5 minutes until wilted.

4. Add tomatoes and beans and cook on low heat about 30 minutes. Serve hot.