Begin by soaking a few pieces of kombu seaweed in several cups of water for 15 - 30 minutes and bring it to a simmer with a few slices of ginger. (bonappetit.com)
I prefer to use dry beans and cook them myself with a strip of kombu seaweed. (theholisticmama.com)
adding kombu makes the beans more digestible and adds flavour, but it is not an essential part of the recipe. (tofufortwo.net)