Simple Boiled Haricot Beans

Ingredients

• 1 quart Dried Haricot Beans (Soissons beans are recommended if available.)
• 2 quarts Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.125 teaspoon Baking Soda (Only if using hard water.)
• 2 medium Onion
• 1 dessert-spoon Dried Savory Herbs (A dessert-spoon is approximately 2 teaspoons.)

Instructions

1. 1Place the dried haricot beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak overnight (at least 12 hours). In the morning, discard any beans that are floating.
2. 2Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large saucepan. Add 2 quarts of fresh cold water, salt, onions, and savory herbs. If using hard water, add baking soda.
3. 3Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, until the beans are tender. This usually takes about 3 hours. Check the water level periodically and add more if needed to keep the beans covered.
4. 4Drain the beans and serve hot as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.