Brown the onions/shallots, garlic, and half a deseeded lemon until lightly browned.
Add desired spices and herbs and stir until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
Add the beans, water, and parmesan rind (if using). The water should cover all the beans.
Simmer for a minimum of 2 hours. Taste a bean to check if it's soft and creamy without any notable crunch.
Remove the parmesan rind and lemon.
Serve the beans with wilted greens and toast/grilled cheese, and save the rest.
