In almost every recipe involving canned beans, you see one or both of these words: drain and rinse. But should you really rinse your canned beans? I’m here to tell you to cut it out.
I hear people waxing poetic about the delicious, velvety bean broth you get when cooking dried beans from scratch. And while that’s undoubtedly true, that delicious bean broth is exactly what you’re draining and rinsing away in canned beans.
However, canned beans are soaked in a canning liquid that can throw off your dish’s seasoning and texture, so it’s best to drain and rinse your beans before pouring them into your pot of chili. Canning liquid can also water down and dilute the flavors of your chili.
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Published Apr. 15, 2022.
In almost every recipe involving canned beans, you see one or both of these words: drain and rinse. But should you really rinse your canned beans? I’m here to tell you to cut it out.
I hear people waxing poetic about the delicious, velvety bean broth you get when cooking dried beans from scratch. And while that’s undoubtedly true, that delicious bean broth is exactly what you’re draining and rinsing away in canned beans.
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When I reviewed canned and dried white beans a few years ago, I cooked pounds and pounds of beans and had our taste testers try them blind, both plain and in dips and soups. At the same time, I researched how canned beans are made. While some manufacturers overcook their beans or use odd ingredients, we found that the best canned beans are simply pressure-cooked right in the can with a little salt and water. That’s what we’d be doing at home.
Think of each can as its own mini–Instant Pot. So the starchy liquid that lives in the can? That’s your bean broth. Use that broth to thicken soups, help dips hang together—all the ways you’d use the broth with beans you cooked yourself. So stop throwing it away!
This same advice goes for rinsing your canned black beans as well; the starchy liquid is exactly what everyone prizes about homemade beans.
That being said, there are a few specific scenarios in which you might want to consider rinsing your beans.
Should I rinse canned beans before using them?
FAQ
Is it OK to not drain beans for chili?
Is it OK not to drain canned beans?
Is it OK to use the liquid in canned beans?
Does the liquid in canned beans cause gas?
Should you drain chili beans?
If you like your chili to have a thicker consistency, then draining the beans is definitely a good idea. By removing the excess liquid, you can create a heartier and more robust dish. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more soupy chili, leaving the liquid in the beans might be the way to go.
Do beans cause diarrhea?
Beans are high-fibre foods. Consuming too much of it can cause looser-stool due to the high fibre content pulling in extra water into the large intestine but not necessarily diarrhea. The only people who may experience diarrhea are people who are allergic to beans due to sensitivity.
Should beans be rinsed before making chili?
If you are following a sodium-restricted diet, it is therefore better to drain the beans, and it’s suggested that you rinse them as well before adding them to the chili. (Simply use a sieve over the sink for draining and rinsing.)
Should you keep a can of beans in chili?
On the other hand, keeping the liquid from the beans can add extra flavor and thickness to the chili. The liquid in the can of beans contains starches and other substances that can help thicken the chili and add a rich, savory flavor.