Cannellini Beans with Garlic and Sage

Directions

1. 1
   Place beans in large bowl. Cover withcold water (at least 6 cups) and let soakovernight.
2. 2
   Drain beans.
3. 3
   Place in heavy largepot.
4. 4
   Add 8 cups room-temperature water,2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, sage, andblack peppercorns. Bring to simmer overmedium-high heat. Reduce heat to mediumlow;simmer uncovered 1 1/2 hours, stirringoccasionally.
5. 5
   Mix in 1 teaspoon coarse salt.Continue to simmer until beans are tender,adding more water if needed to keep beanscovered, about 30 minutes longer. Coolbeans in liquid 1 hour.
6. 6
   Using slotted spoon, transfer beansto serving bowl, reserving bean cookingliquid, if desired, but discarding garlic,sage, and peppercorns. Season beans totaste with pepper and more coarse salt.
7. 7
   Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and serve.
8. 8
   Bon Appétit