Thanks to the October ‘09 Bon Appetit for this one. It is a great base recipe that can be used to make White Bean and Pasta Soup and White Bean and Tuna Salad.

• 1 lb white beans, soaked overnight
• 8 cups water
• 1 sprig fresh sage
• 1 head garlic, unpeeled, with the top cut off
• 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 3/4 tsp salt

Place beans in a large pot, cover with water, and add garlic, sage, and peppercorns. Boil about an hour and a half, until soft, then add salt, and boil another half hour or so. Makes about 6 cups of beans.