1. Wash white beans with cold water and remove damaged beans as they float.

2. Bring beans to a boil with 8 cups water on medium-low heat, then reduce to simmer for

1 hour 20 minutes.

3. Turn off heat. In a blender, puree 3/4 beans with water from pot and leave a few for sauce.

5. Strain beans puree into pot, add 3/4 cup water, salt, ground spices, butter, garlic, stir

and let simmer for 20 minutes.

8. Taste for salt and spices, add more if necessary.

9. Turn off heat, and serve with white rice, a side of meatballs, chicken creole or fish.