Bean Basics: Your Guide to Prepping and Cooking Beans from Scratch
Preparing beans, especially from their dried form, can be a bit time-consuming but it's not difficult. Here's a basic method for preparing beans:
Sort the Beans: Start by spreading the beans out on a flat surface. Remove and discard any broken beans or debris.
Soak the Beans: Rinse the sorted beans under cold water. Then, place them in a large bowl and cover with several inches of cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours, or overnight. If you're short on time, you can do a quick soak by bringing the beans to a boil, boiling them for 2-3 minutes, then removing them from the heat and letting them soak for 1 hour.
Rinse the Beans: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them under cold water.
Cook the Beans: Transfer the beans to a large pot. Cover with a few inches of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let the beans simmer until tender. Cooking time can vary depending on the type and age of the beans, but generally, it takes 1-2 hours.
Season the Beans: Wait until the beans are fully cooked before adding salt or acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar. Adding these too early can prevent the beans from becoming tender.
Drain and Serve: Drain and Serve once the beans are cooked and seasoned to your liking, and they're ready to serve!
Remember, cooked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week, or they can be frozen for longer storage. They're a great addition to a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and side dishes.
