Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      bunch         fresh thyme
                        (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
   1      sprig         fresh rosemary -- (large sprig)
                        (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary)
   2      bunches       fresh oregano
                        (or 4 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano)
   3      cups          dried white beans -- washed, picked over
  12      cups          water
     1/4  cup           olive oil
                        (or 4 tablespoons unsalted butter)
   1      medium        onion -- diced
   6                    garlic cloves -- minced
   2      cups          canned chopped tomatoes -- with their liquid
   2 1/2  teaspoons     salt
   1      teaspoon      freshly-ground black pepper
   2      quarts        vegetable stock -- see * note
                        (or water)
   2 1/2                limes -- quartered

Preparation:

* Note: See the "Vegetable Stock" recipe which is included in this collection. If using fresh herbs, make an herb packet by placing a large square of cheesecloth on a counter. Place the thyme, rosemary and half the oregano in the center, gather the ends together and tie to enclose. Remove the leaves from the remaining bunch of oregano, chop and reserve. Combine the beans, fresh herb packet or the dried herbs and water in a large saucepan or stockpot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, until the beans are cooked through but still firm, 1 hour. Remove from the heat. Lift out and discard the herb bundle. In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the onions until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook just until the aroma is released, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their liquid, salt, pepper and half of the reserved chopped oregano (if using fresh). Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is evaporated. Stir in the beans and their cooking liquid and cook 5 minutes longer. Pour in the Vegetable Stock or water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook about 40 minutes, or until the beans are very tender. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining chopped fresh oregano and lime wedges.