Rinse 1 pound of pinto beans and remove any debris
Soak the beans in plenty of water for 8 to 12 hours, or use a quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes and resting for 1 hour
Drain and rinse the beans after soaking
Add the beans to a large pot and cover with fresh water by 2 to 3 inches
Add optional aromatics like onion, garlic, bay leaf, or a ham hock
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat
Reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered
Skim off any foam that rises to the top
Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans covered
Cook until tender, about 1 to 2 hours for soaked beans or 2 to 3 hours for unsoaked beans
Add salt near the end of cooking
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
Drain or keep the beans in their cooking liquid as desired