White Beans With Tarragon - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb dried great dry northern white beans
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
2 - 4 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 - 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 pinch white pepper
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh tarragon leaves

Preparation

Soak beans covered by 2\" of water for at least twelve hours, adding water if needed; drain and rinse.
Put beans in a soup pot with water to cover; add peppercorns, loosely, inside a single-layer cheesecloth bag or inside a tea strainer; bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes; skim foam from the top.
Lower heat and simmer beans, uncovered until beans are tender but not mushy, 2-2 1/4 hours; add water during cooking to keep beans covered.
Reserve 1/4 cup cooking liquid; drain beans and return to pot or serving bowl; add olive oil, reserved cooking liquid, coarse salt, white pepper and tarragon, mixing well.
Serve hot or room temperature; drizzle with more oil, if desired.