COOKING BEANS
Let's discuss soaking and cooking methods.
Soaking Methods
How much do you know about soaking your beans? Let us explain the process. Let’s learn why soaking your beans is an important step in the cooking process.
Hot Soak Method
For each pound of dry beans, add 10 cups of hot water. Beans will rehydrate to at least twice their dry size, so be sure to start with a large enough pot. This is contrary to what you might have heard or read other places, but to absorb water more evenly, add up to 2 teaspoons of salt per cup of beans.
Bring water to a boil with beans in the water, and boil beans for 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove from heat, cover and let beans soak for at least 1 hour.
Discard the soak water in your garden.
Cook to your liking!
Overnight Soaking Method
Pour beans into a large bowl, mason jar, or any container where they will have room to grow.
Add water, about double the amount of water to beans.
Let soak overnight.
Discard the soak water in your garden.
Cook to your liking!
Cooking Methods
There are several ways to cook your beans. Let’s discuss a few different methods.
Pressure Cooker
Fill the pot with the desired amount of beans and then cover completely with water or stock. To reduce foaming, add 1 tablespoon of oil per cup of beans. Soaked beans will usually cook in 3 to 14 minutes depending on their variety, size and age. If the beans are not done when you open the cooker, finish the job on the stove.
Instant Pot
If you have one, Instant Pot is a great way to cook beans and a tremendous time saver. Refer to your Cooking Time Table from Instant Pot on how long to cook your beans.
Microwave
For soaking, place one pound of beans in a 5-quart glass container and add 8 cups of water. Cover and cook at full power for 8-10 minutes or until boiling. Let stand for one hour or longer, stirring occasionally, and then drain completely and discard water.
To cook the beans, add 6-8 cups of fresh hot water. Cover and cook at full power for 8-10 minutes or until boiling. Then reduce power 50% and cook another 15-20 minutes or until beans are tender.
Please note: the microwave is not the preferred cooking or soaking method for beans.
Stove Top
Cooking beans on the stove with your favorite recipe and favorite pot is a timeless way to go. It can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to cook beans on the stove and the key is patience. You’ll place the beans in the bot, cover with water, and bring the beans to a boil. Once the water is at a boil, you’ll want to simmer the beans. If it seems to be taking a long time, you’re not doing anything wrong, the beans just need more time. Whatever you do, don’t increase the heat because it will just mush up the beans before they actually get cooked through. Once the beans are done serve with your favorite dish and enjoy.
Slow Cooker
Slow Cookers are a convenient, and often healthy, way to cook dry beans. However, remember that beans still need to be soaked or boiled prior to cooking in the slow cooker. Cooking in the slow cooker allows for a low slow heat, which is the best for beans.
You’ll want to place in the slow cooker, if you’re using a 3/12 quart or less, it’s best to stick with about 1 pound, for anything bigger 2 pounds should work fine. Once you add the beans to the slow cooker add water that covers the beans about 2 inches and cook for 6 to 8 hours on low. Some varieties cook faster than others so towards the end be sure to check on the beans, so you don’t overcook them.
Eat More Beans!
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