White Beans (basic)

 From Dried White Beans to Cooked Beans

What you need

• a pack of dried white beans
• a teaspoon of salt
• some dried or fresh rosemary (or marjoram)
• (garlic - optional)

Equipment

• a bowl
• a sieve
• a pot

How you do it

Hydrate the beans

• put the dried beans into a large enough bowl and cover with water. There should be at least an inch (2-3cm) water on top of the beans - as they will expand when they re-hydrate
• keep the beans in for at least 12 hours. It's an overnight's job

Cook the beans

• put the re-hydrated beans into a sieve and drain the water away
• rinse the beans thoroughly and let that water drain away
• put the rinsed/re-hydrated beans in a put. 
• Add a tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of salt and the herbs
• put in enough water so that the beans are just about covered
• put on the stove and bring to the boil
• reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the beans until they're "al dente". This may take up to an hour. I would check the beans after ca 30-35min. Take one out and try to bite into it. 

The result can be used straightaway for stews, soups etc. But it's also great for the fridge or freezer.