Bring water to a heavy boil and reduce heat till water is lightly boiling and cover. Boil covered till beans are 3/4 way to your desired tenderness. Remove cover and continue cooking. When almost done take out about 2 cups of cooked beans and mash them. Return mashed beans to the pot add salt and cook until beans are done and the soup has thickened.

If soup is not thickening mix some cornstarch with cool tap water till dissolved and mix into boiling beans. If soup still does not thicken repeat cornstarch mixture.

Serve with buttermilk cornbread.