How to Cook Beans
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
1 hr
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Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
310 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Soup
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Cuisine
American
How to Cook Beans
Description
The recipe starts with soaking dried beans in cold water to soften and reduce cooking time, recommending overnight soaking or a quick soak involving boiling briefly and resting. After soaking, beans are drained, rinsed, and either simmered on the stove or cooked in a slow cooker with enough water or broth to keep them submerged by about one inch.
Cooking times vary depending on the method: two to three hours when simmered on the stove or five to seven hours on high in a slow cooker for unsoaked beans. This slow, gentle cooking results in beans that are tender without falling apart. Avoid adding acidic ingredients before beans are softened to prevent toughening.
Alternative soaking methods include microwave soaking and hot soaking to fit busy schedules. The instructions highlight attention to water level and temperature control to ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried beans
- water
Instructions
- Place beans in a large pot and fill the pot with cold water 1" above the beans. Refrigerate overnight (or up to 12 hours).
- Drain beans and rinse in cold water.
- Place drained and rinsed beans in a large pot. Fill with water or broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook covered for 90-120 minutes or until tender (or for 5-7 hours on high in the slow cooker).
To Quick Soak Beans
- Place beans in a large pot and fill with water 1" above the beans.
- Boil 3 minutes.
- Turn the heat off and let them stand for at least 1 hour (or up to four hours).
- Drain beans and rinse in cold water. Cook as directed below.
To Cook Unsoaked Beans
- Place unsoaked beans in a slow cooker and cover with broth or water. Cook 5-7 hours on high until beans are tender.
Notes
- Avoid adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon before beans soften to ensure proper rehydration and tender cooking.
- Hot soak beans by boiling 3 minutes, covering, and soaking 4-24 hours to speed up preparation.
- Microwave soak beans with 3 cups water per cup beans on high for 15 minutes, then rest an hour before cooking.
- When soaking, keep beans submerged by about one inch of water for best rehydration.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 310 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 310 | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 56g | 19% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 11mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 1250mg | 27% |
| Fiber | 14g | 56% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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