Step 1

Pick over and discard any broken dried beans. Add them to a colander and rinse with cold water for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 2

Overnight: Add beans, salt, and water to a large bowl. Cover and allow to sit for 8 to 24 hours before cooking. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Step 3

Quick soaking beans (same day cooking): In a large saucepan or dutch oven add beans, 1 ½ tablespoons salt, and 8 cups water, stir to dissolve. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and cover the beans for 1 hour of soaking. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Step 4

In a large saucepan or dutch oven, add the soaked beans, 4 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 5

Bring water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce heat to low. Stir the beans occasionally to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot, about every 30 minutes.

Step 6

Gently cook beans over low heat until tender and creamy, 60 to 90 minutes.

Step 7

Drain, then serve the beans warm.