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How to Cook Beans

Learn how to cook 5 types of beans on the stovetop! This guide covers soaking, cooking, and my favorite recipe ideas to use them in!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 5 mins
Soaking Time
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time
3 hrs 5 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 155 kcal
Course: Others
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried beans per type
  • water to soak and cook
  • Optional: salt, black peppercorn, firm herbs, whole garlic cloves, bay leaves, or onion wedges for flavoring

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Sort through the dried beans to remove any debris or damaged beans if needed and rinse in a colander.
  2. Place the beans in a large bowl and add water to cover the beans by at least 2 inches. Soak for 8-12 hours. This step is optional, but it helps soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
  3. Drain the beans. Transfer the beans to a large pot. Add fresh water to cover the beans by at least 4 inches. Add a bay leaf, garlic cloves, onion, or herbs for extra flavor. If you’re using salt, add toward the end of cooking (about 15-20 minutes before done) to avoid toughening the beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1-2 hours, depending on the bean*, until tender but still hold their shape. Add salt, if you’re using.
  4. Once the beans are fully cooked, drain them. Use in a recipe and allow them to cool completely and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • *Bean Cooking Times (after soaking):Navy Beans: 1 to 1.5 hoursCannellini Beans: 1 to 1.5 hoursBlack Beans: 1 to 1.5 hoursPinto Beans: 1.5 to 2 hoursKidney Beans: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Storage: After cooking beans, drain them well and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in a microwave for a few minutes or simmer gently on the stovetop with a splash of water. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.25cup dried Calories 155kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 28g (9%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 0.5g (1%) Saturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g Monounsaturated Fat 0.04g Sodium 6mg (0%) Potassium 625mg (18%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 38mg (4%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 155

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.25cup dried
Calories 155kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 28g 9%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 0.5g 1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.04g 0%
Sodium 6mg 0%
Potassium 625mg 13%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 38mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.