Learn How to Cook Dried Beans at home so you’ll always have some on hand. Use this easy stovetop method for a variety of beans and add them to salads, soups, stews, and more!
Here is everything you need to know about how to cook dried beans! It is super easy. I can guarantee you have all tools on hand already.
All you need is a large pot, small mesh strainer or a perforated spoon, and any storage containers. And a little bit of time!
How to Cook Dried BeansSort and wash the beans. Pick through the beans and discard and shriveled beans or debris you find. … Soak the beans. … Drain the beans and add them to a pot with aromatics. … Simmer the beans until they’re tender. … Cool the beans and store them in their cooking liquid.
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Sort and wash the beans. Pick through the beans and discard and shriveled beans or debris you find. …
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Soak the beans. …
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Drain the beans and add them to a pot with aromatics. …
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Simmer the beans until they’re tender. …
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Cool the beans and store them in their cooking liquid.
How Long Do Beans Take to Cook?
The total time needed for cooking dried beans depends on a couple of factors. For example, the size and whether or not you soaked them.
The most important thing to remember is that cooking time mostly depends on how old your beans are!
There’s no way to pin point the exact cook time, but here’s a guideline for pre-soaked beans to help you.
| Size of beans | Cooking time |
|---|---|
| Small (black, black-eyed peas and navy beans) | 45-90 minutes |
| Medium (kidney, Great Northern, pinto and garbanzo beans) | 60-120 minutes |
| Large (lima and cannellini beans) | 80-180 minutes |
How to Make Dried Beans after Soaking
You’ll need a couple of hours but cooking dried beans is easy!
Here’s a quick overview of how to make beans after soaking, there is a full recipe card below.
- Sort through beans: There may be small stones or debris mixed in with the beans, remove those along with any damaged beans.
- Soak the beans: Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with 2 or 3 inches of cold water. Let them soak for 8 hours or overnight.
- Rinse: Drain and rinse the soaked beans under cold water. Transfer them to a large pot, add cold water up to 3 inches above the beans and cover with a lid.
- Cook the beans: Bring to a boil on high heat, reduce to low and simmer at a gentle boil. Use a mesh strainer to remove any foam that rises.
- Add salt and continue cooking: The total cooking time depends on the beans’ size and age, please refer to my chart below. After 40-60 minutes of cooking, add salt to the pot. Continue cooking until the beans are soft inside but still hold their shape. I recommend tasting every 20 minutes.
- Remove cooked beans: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to a bowl. Alternatively, you can drain the beans through a mesh strainer. I like to save the broth for soups and stews, yum!
- Cool: Let them cool and use right away or store for later.
To cook beans without soaking, add them to a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil and cook, tasting occasionally. It may take 4-5 hours, depending on the size and age of your dried beans.
How to Cook Pinto Beans | Step by Step EASY Instructions
FAQ
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