Perfectly Prepared Dried Beans

1. Rinse and Sort Beans

Take your dried beans and give them a good rinse under cold water, using either a colander or a fine-mesh strainer. As you rinse, pick through them carefully to remove any debris or damaged beans.

2. Soak the Beans

Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl or pot and cover them with 4 quarts (3.785 liters) of cold water. Add 2 tablespoons (34 grams) of salt to the water. Let the beans soak overnight, or for anywhere between 8 to 24 hours. By the end of this period, the beans should be plump and slightly translucent.

3. Drain and Rinse

Once the beans have soaked, drain them and give them another rinse to remove any residual salt.

4. Cook the Beans

Transfer the soaked beans to a Dutch oven or a large pot. Cover them with 4 quarts (3.785 liters) of fresh water and add 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of salt. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cooking the beans at a gentle simmer, rather than a rapid boil, ensures that they cook evenly and maintain their shape. This process should take about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the type and age of your beans. Keep an eye on them and check for tenderness; the beans should be tender but not mushy when they’re done.

5. Drain and Use

Drain the cooked beans using a colander. If you have recipes that call for bean cooking liquid, be sure to reserve this liquid before draining fully. Your perfectly prepared beans are now ready to be used in any dish you desire. Enjoy!