Marcella Hazan's White Beans with Garlic and Sage

Ingredients

• tablespoons + 1 teaspoon salt
• qts water
• dried white beans, such as cannellini or great northern
• onion, peeled and halved through the core
• a few sprigs thyme
• garlic, smashed
• bay leaf
• olive oil
• garlic, minced
• small bundle sage, optional
• cooked white beans, drained
• salt and pepper to taste
• water, chicken stock or vegetable stock, plus more as needed
• bread for serving
• grated Parmigiano Reggiano for serving