White Beans w/Spinach Soup

1-1/2 cups dried white beans
3 qts. beef broth
3 Tbsp. butter
1 large onion, chopped fine
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. fresh rosemary
1 bunch fresh spinach, cleaned & chopped
4 Tbsp. cold water
2 Tbsp. flour
Salt to taste
White pepper to taste
1/2 tsp. paprika

Sort & rinse beans. Cover with water & soak overnight, OR bring to a boil for 5 minutes, remove from heat, cover & let rest for 1 hour. Drain, rinse, & cover beans with broth. In a skillet, melt butter over moderate heat, add the onion & garlic and saute until the onion is soft. Add this to the kettle along with the bay leaf & rosemary. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat & simmer approximately 2 hours, or until tender. Remove bay leaf. Add the spinach & continue simmering for 15 minutes. Dissolve flour in water. Slowly stir in the flour mixture. Season to taste with salt, pepper & paprika. Thin to desired consistency. Simmer for 5 minutes. Serves 10 to 12.