Basic Black Beans - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb dry black beans
6 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf

Preparation

Rinse beans in a colander under running water, picking out any debris.
Place rinsed beans in a heavy pot filled with 6 cups of water and soak overnight.
Add bay leaf and 1/4 tsp each of cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Bring just to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper (or more to taste).
Makes about 6 cups of cooked beans.