Recipe: Basic Cooked Dried White Beans (or other dried beans)

BASIC COOKED WHITE BEANS

1 pound dried cannellini beans (or other dried beans)
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 large celery rib, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 large sprig of sage
Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)

Soak the beans overnight in cold water to cover generously.

The next day:
Drain the beans and place in a large pot with cold water to cover by 1 inch. Add the carrot, celery, onion, garlic and sage. Bring to a simmer, skimming any foam. Cover and adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 30 minutes or longer, until the beans are tender. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat. Discard the sage. Let cool in the cooking liquid.

Makes 8 cups
Source: AP, 2002