rinse and soak beans according to the package

once soaked drain the water and replace with fresh, cover with about 2 inches of water

slowly simmer beans on medium adding water as necessary

after 1 hour add the carrots and celery

then heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat

add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until soft and brown

when the onion is done cooking add it to the beans

deglaze the skillet with a cup of water then add that to the pot as well

add the dried herbs stir well

continue cooking and adding water as necessary

This is when I like to add the salt, some people add it early on or when the beans are done but I do like to cook the beans for a while with salt

if they are done before you are ready to eat simply keep them warm on a very low burner adding water as needed

15 minutes before serving chop the spinach and flake the smoked salmon and add them to the beans before serving

taste and add salt and pepper as needed