Sort through the beans and remove any debris or damaged beans
Rinse the beans under cold water
Soak the beans in water for 6 to 8 hours or overnight, if desired
Drain and rinse the soaked beans
Place the beans in a pot and cover with fresh water or broth
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat
Reduce the heat to low and simmer until tender, about 1 to 2 hours
Skim off any foam that rises to the top
Add salt and seasonings near the end of cooking
Check for tenderness and add more liquid if needed
Drain or use the beans with their cooking liquid as desired