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How to Prepare Dry Beans How to Prepare Dry Beans For cooks looking for do-ahead convenience, dry beans are easy to prepare. The Bean Education & Awareness Network (B.E.A.N.) offers the following tips for preparing dry-packaged beans. Bean Soaking Before cooking, soak dry-packaged beans to help soften and return moisture to the beans and reduce cooking time. Most beans will rehydrate to triple their dry size, so be sure to start with a large enough pot. * Preferred Hot Soak and Quick Soak Methods -- Hot soaking helps dissolve some of the gas-causing substances, making the beans easier to digest. For each pound beans, add 10 cups hot water; heat to boiling and let boil 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and set aside for at least one hour (Quick Soak), or up to 4 hours (Hot Soak). * Traditional Overnight Soak -- For each pound (2 cups) dry-packaged beans, add 10 cups cold water and let soak overnight, or at least 8 hours. Bean Cooking * Drain soaking water and rinse beans; cook in fresh water. In general, beans take 30 minutes to 2 hours to cook depending on variety. Check bean packaging for specific cooking times and instructions. * Spice up beans while they cook. Seasonings, such as garlic, onion, oregano, parsley or thyme can be added to the pot while beans are cooking. Add acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, vinegar, wine or citrus juices, only at end of cooking, when the beans are tender. * To test for doneness, bite-taste a few beans. They should be tender, but not overcooked. When cooling, keep beans in cooking liquid to prevent them from drying out. Bean Storing Cooked dry beans can be stored in air-tight containers in the freezer for up to 6 months. Bean dishes can be stored about 4 or 5 days in refrigerator. Bean Counting * 1 pound dry-packaged beans (uncooked) = about 2 cups dry = 6 cups cooked, drained * 1 cup dry-packaged beans (uncooked) = 3 cups cooked = about 2 cans (15 ounces each), drained |
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