Step 1

Sort through dried beans and remove anything that doesn't belong there.

Step 2

Rinse beans under cold tap water.

Step 3

Place in large pot and cover with 2" of cool water. Bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1-4 hours. Amount of soaking time could affect cooking time later.

Step 5

Drain and discard soaking liquid

Step 6

Place soaked beans in a large pot and cover with 2-3 inches of cool water. Add onion, bay leaf, and any other aromatics you might like such as garlic, thyme, rosemary, peppercorns etc. Tie up herbs and peppercorns in cheesecloth or put in a tea infuser.

Step 7

Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 25 mins. then add 1 tsp sea salt. Continue to simmer for another 15 mins or until done to your liking.

Step 8

When done, drain over a bowl to reserve cooking liquid. Let cool and use in recipe, or store in cooking liquid in fridge or freeze, drained, flat in ziplock bags.