Precooking Beans

• 1 pound (500 g) dried beans, preferably organic (such as giant, cannellini, pinto, cocos, or navy beans)
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Soak the beans in a large bowl, adding enough cold water to cover the beans by about 4 inches (10 cm). Let stand for 10 to 12 hours. Cannellini, pinto, and navy beans need less soaking (6 to 8 hours), but you can safely soak all beans overnight.

The next morning, rinse the beans under cold water, place them in a large pot, and add water to cover by about 4 inches (10 cm). Bring to a boi