How to Cook Dry Beans
Many people wonder how to prepare dry beans when available from our programs. Dry beans are a great, and affordable, source of protein that can be prepared in many ways and added to many recipes. Below you'll find two ways for soaking and cooking dry beans, to get them ready to incorporate into recipes. And we've also included a Simple Simmered Bean Recipe.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter or other oil)
1⁄2 onion (sliced)
1 clove garlic (sliced)
1 cup dry beans (soaked)
water or broth
1 teaspoon dry seasoning of choice
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup fresh herbs (chopped)
Instructions: Soaking and Cooking Dry Beans
OVERNIGHT SOAK METHOD
1. Rinse beans and pick out any beans that are discolored or spoiled.
2. Place beans in a bowl and cover with water about 2 inches above the beans.
3. Cover and soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse.
4. Add beans to a pot with fresh water, about 2 inches above the beans.
5. Turn burner on high, bring to a boil and then down to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook beans until tender (30-90 min, depending on the variety and freshness).
*Tip: Season beans once they are fully cooked, otherwise the salt (or salty seasonings) will likely increase cooking time & prevent them from becoming as tender.
QUICK SOAK METHOD
1. Rinse beans and pick out any beans that are discolored or spoiled.
2. Add beans to a large pot and cover with water 2 inches above the beans.
3. Cover, bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and let soak, covered, for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
4. Add beans to a pot with fresh water, about 2 inches above the beans.
5. Turn burner on high, bring to a boil and then down to a simmer.
6. Cook beans until tender (30-90 min, depending on the variety and freshness).
Tip: Season beans once they are fully cooked, otherwise the salt (or salty seasonings) will likely increase cooking time & prevent them from becoming as tender.
SIMPLE SIMMERED BEAN RECIPE
1. Soak beans using overnight or quick soak method.
2. Over medium heat, warm a small pot.
3. Add oil or butter.
4. Add onion, garlic and fresh seasonings. Cook for a few minutes.
5. Add soaked beans to the pot and cover with water, about 1 inch above the beans.
6. Bring to a boil, then down to a simmer and cook for 30-60 minutes until beans are tender.
7. Add salt and other dry seasonings, cover and soak for 10 minutes.
8. Serve warm with rice and vegetables. Wonderful in soups, salads, wraps, bowls and more!