Select and wash the nice looking beans. Put the beans in a saucepan and cover with plenty of water. Cook for approximately 1 hour until softened. Meanwhile, chop the onion, crush the garlic together with the cooking salt and pepper seeds. In another saucepan, heat oil over a medium heat and fry the minced onion until light golden. Stir in the ground spices and thyme. Next, add the beans and keep on stirring. Cover and simmer for a further 10 to 15 minutes. By then, the water should have evaporated and the sauce thickened.