Or even if they're not.
8 cups water 1 pound Great Northern beans or navy beans 2 cups cubed ham 1 ham bone or ham hock, optional 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste 1 bay leaf 1 carrot, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped or sliced thinly 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce