Step 1

Soak the beans in water and bicarb soda for 12 hours (overnight or during the day). They will double in size. Rinse and use right away or refrigerate in an airtight container for a maximum of 12-24 hours.

Step 2

Add the beans, water, vegetable stock cube, garlic, rosemary, onions and salt to the pot and mix through. Pop the lid on top, lock and make sure the top valve is pointing to Sealing. Press Manual/Pressure Cook, HIGH pressure and set for 10 minutes. The pressure build-up will take about 7-10 minutes. Once 10 minutes are up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20-25 minutes.

Step 3

Open the lid (after quick release, if needed) and skim off the onions from the top. Remove the rosemary sprigs (the needles should fall off into the soup and can be eaten). Stir the beans.

Step 4

Depending on how soupy or thick you like your braised beans, you might want to discard about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

Step 5

Now, to thicken the beans, add some of the cooked beans and the broth liquid to a blender or food processor (about 1 cup, see pics above) and blend until smooth and thick. Return the puree to the pot and stir through the beans. The starched puree will thicken the mixture.

Step 6

Finally, add the lemon juice and olive oil and stir through before serving. You can also add the olive oil once it is served.