One-Pot Brothy Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb of dried beans, rinsed (soaking optional)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large red onion, cut through with skin left on
• 1 shallot, cut through with skin left on
• 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
• 1 lemon, halved crosswise
• 1 dried chili pepper (or 1 fresh pepper cut lengthwise)
• Bunch of thyme
• Salt
• Water - ~6 cups or enough to cover the beans
• Optional: Shaved Parmesan cheese for garnishing and / or leafy greens