To Cook Dried Beans or Lentils

• white, green, red, brown or black, large or small beans, 3 oz

Soak the beans for several hours, at least four and at most twelve or overnight; any longer and they will start to ferment. Drain and put in a saucepan with enough cold water to come two inches above the top of the beans. Add no salt but put in the herbs and garlic (and a piece of salt pork or bacon if you like). Bring slowly to the boil and cook gently until the beans are tender, a mini