Sort through the beans and remove any debris or damaged beans
Rinse the beans under cold water
Soak the beans in water for several hours or overnight, if desired
Drain and rinse the beans after soaking
Place the beans in a pot and cover with fresh water
Bring the water to a boil
Reduce the heat to a simmer
Cook until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally
Add more water if needed to keep the beans covered
Season the beans after they begin to soften
Drain any excess liquid when the beans are done
Serve or use the cooked beans as desired