Sort and rinse 1 pound bag black beans. Soak overnight, covered with water. In morning, rinse again and place in large pot; add 6 plus cups of water or chicken broth. Add:

Onion (1 lg. or 2 med. - lots!), dice, saute in water or chicken broth
Garlic (1 or 2 minced cloves)
Pepper
2 bay leaves
Oregano

Add salt only after beans are well cooked. Simmer for several hours. Add:

Diced potato (1 lg.)
2 lg. shredded carrots
2 stalks diced celery

Toward end as becomes thick, adjust seasoning:

Salt
1 tbsp. sugar
Approx. 1 tbsp. lemon juice (also lemon zest) (add carefully so don't have too much lemon)

The celery and the lemon are very important; they help cut the "heavy" taste of the beans.