Instructions

1. Put the drippings and olive oil into a large pot and heat to medium. Add the carrots and onions and saute until softened, about 10 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper if you think you need to. Your drippings might be very salty (they often are) so adjust for taste.
2. Add the beans and bay leaf and cover with water, by about three inches.
3. Cook over low heat, at a simmer, until the beans are very tender. This will depend on the beans and may take up to three hours. Keep checking on the water level, since you want the beans to always be covered by about at least an inch of water.
4. When done, taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve with a drizzle of your best olive oil.