How I do dry beans:
1. put beans in a colander, pick out 'debris' & nasty looking beans
2. swishing the remaining 'good' beans in the colander give them a good rinse w/cold water
3. put beans in a large pot, for a pound of pintos I put in about 8 cups of water
4. let soak for 8 hours (overnight)
5. get out the colander, pour off water & rinse beans again & they are ready for cooking
A quicker method:
Do steps 1 & 2, but rinsing very well, then:
Put beans in a nice heavy pot, cover with a few inches of water & some salt. I will often put in a seasoning (or smoked hocks or salt pork )at this point.
Let simmer for about an hr or so, just until beans are a firm soft. then use as desired.
Jean