Place the rinsed beans in a large pot or bowl.
Cover with cold water by at least 3 inches.
Let the beans soak for 8 to 12 hours at room temperature.
Drain the soaking water and rinse the beans well. Return them to the pot and cover with 2 inches of fresh, cold water.
Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a very gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot with a lid.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type and age of the beans. Start checking for doneness after 30 minutes.
Add more hot water as needed to keep the beans submerged.
Once the beans are almost tender, stir in a generous pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper.
Continue to simmer until they are cooked to your liking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Use the beans immediately in your favorite recipe, or let them cool completely in their cooking liquid before storing.
Keep a close eye on the beans during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. They can go from perfectly tender to mushy very quickly with this soaking method.
