How to Soak and Cook Dried Beans {how-to}

How To Soak and Cook Dried Beans

from The Joy of Cooking, page 253

Ingredients

dried beans
water

Directions

Soak dried bans overnight in 3 to 4 times as much water as beans. Remove any that float.

If time does not allow for soaking, use the Quick Soak Method

Quick Soak Method

Cover beans with cold water in a large saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, tightly covered, 1 hour. Before cooking, drain and discard the soaking liquid.

To Cook Dried Beans

Bring them just to a boil in water to cover generously, Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until tender.

Cooking Times and Additional Tips:

• Chickpeas are usually the toughest of the lot and may take up to 3 hours simmering.
• Dried limas, after soaking, and lentils, which don't require soaking, may cook in as little as 30 minutes.
• 1 cup of dried beans, peas, or lentils will expand to 2 to 2½ cups after cooking.
• Do not add tomatoes, citrus, vinegar, molasses, or any other acidic ingredients until near the end, after the beans are tender; acid, like salt, prevents the beans from softening.

Using Canned Beans:

• Canned beans can be substituted in recipes that call for cooked beans, though they may be softer and less flavorful.
• Since brands vary in quality, it is worth comparing different ones.
• Rinsing canned beans may improve the taste and remove excess salt. Put the beans in a colander and run cold water over them, then drain well.
• For 2 cups cooked beans, you will need a 19- to 20-ounce can. Fifteen or 16-ounce cand hold 1½ to 1¾ cups of beans.