Soak the beans

• Rinse the dried beans and soak them in plenty of water overnight.
• Drain and rinse the beans well before cooking.

Build the aromatics

• Place the onion, garlic, celery and carrot in a pot.
• Use whatever aromatics you have on hand, even just an onion or a carrot.

Add beans and water

• Add the drained beans to the pot with the aromatics.
• Cover with water.

Boil the beans

• Bring the pot to a boil.
• Keep at a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Simmer gently

• Turn the heat down and simmer gently, never at a hard boil.
• Cover the pot with a lid or a makeshift cover if you don't have one.

Check doneness

• Most of the water should be absorbed.
• Press a bean against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon: it should give and smoosh slightly, not turn to mush.

Season and serve

• Remove the aromatics if you prefer.
• Add salt, stir, and serve in a bowl or add to a salad or another meal.