Step 1

Soak the beans overnight in water covering the beans by 1 inch.

Step 2

In a large soup or stock pot add the olive oil and the chopped onion, carrot, celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes.

Step 3

Drain the water from the beans and rinse. Add the beans to the stock pot with the sautéed vegetables and stir to mix in. Add the thyme bundle, garlic and fresh water to cover beans by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, cover and lower heat to simmer for 4 hours or until beans are soft, but not mushy (See Note 1).

Step 4

Season to taste and serve with crusty bread.