and comforting.
the night before, place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. set aside at room temperature.
the next day, drain the beans through a colander and rinse with cold water. transfer the beans to a large pot and cover with cold water by 3 inches. cover the pot partially with the lid and cook the beans over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 1½ hours, until tender. the cooking liquid should simmer gently throughout the cooking process.
when the beans are finished cooking, leave them in the cooking liquid until you are ready to use them. note: if you are making the beans a 