How To Cook Beans

1. 1 lb. dried beans
2. 1 inch by 2 inch piece of kombu
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7. Rinse the beans and pick out any debris. You'll occasionally come across a pebble or chunk of dirt.
8. Soak the beans overnight in water with a piece of kombu. If you don't have enough time, there's an alternate method. Boil a big pot of water on the stove and place the beans in the boiling water for two minutes. Remove the pot from the stove and leave it covered for an hour.
9. Remove the kombu and rinse the beans.
10. Return the beans and kombu to the pot. Fill the pot with fresh water at least an inch above the top of the beans.
11. Bring to a boil and simmer the beans (covered) for 1 to 2 hours. Check the package directions for cooking times.
12. When beans are tender, discard the kombu. Drain and rinse the beans.
13. Store the beans in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for several months.