How to Cook Dried Beans

By The Cooking World, Editorial Staff

January 27, 2023

How to Cook Dried Beans the Right Way

Learn how to cook dried beans in our new series of recipes — Kitchen 101.

This new series is dedicated to helping you master the fundamentals of cooking, whether you're a beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills. From now on, we'll start to share a collection of simple and delicious recipes that will have you cooking like a pro in no time.

From basic techniques like sautéing and roasting to classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs. With a little practice and patience, you'll be able to create various delicious meals that will impress your friends and family. So, roll up your sleeves, and let's get cooking!

PREP TIME

8 hours

COOK TIME

45 minutes to 2 hours

serves

1 kg of beans

Ingredients

1 kg (35 oz) dried beans
Sea Salt
2 bay leaves, optional

Special Equipment

Large Pot

Instructions

Rinse the beans and pick out any small stones or debris.
Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water. The water should be at least 5 cm (2 inches) above the level of the beans.
Soak the beans for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Drain the soaking water and rinse the beans again.
Add fresh water to the pot with the beans, the water should be about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) above the level of the beans.
Season the water with salt* and bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 45 minutos to 2 hours depending on the type and age of the beans.
Add the bay leaves or other herbs or seasonings to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Check the beans for doneness, if they are not done cook for a little longer.

*Contrary to popular belief, salt does not toughen dried beans. In fact, by facilitating the weakening of pectins contained in their cell walls, salt affects beans in the same way it affects vegetables: it softens them. We can't give you exact measures of salt for cooking dried beans for a few reasons: we don't know what size your pot is, how much water you're using, or what type of salt you're using. The best advice we can give you is to taste the water. It should be lightly seasoned.