Add the onion, salt, and garlic. Turn on high until you have a rolling boil. Cover with lid and turn down to medium heat to allow boil. Stir with wooden spoon every half hour or so. Check at 2 hours as some batches of beans will cook quicker than others. I usually cook them about 2 1/2 hours. If you can squish the bean between your fingers, they are no longer “chalky” you are ready to move forward.