Recipe: Basic Cooked White Beans (with onion, garlic, carrot and celery)

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. Refrigerate leftovers.

Makes 8 cups
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, 2002