Cooking dried beans is all about being patient but it's so worth it —

 

Cooking dried beans is all about being patient but it's so worth it — they turn out super tender and flavorful! Here's the basic process:

1. Rinse the beans to remove any dust or debris.

2. Soak (optional but helpful):

   • Quick soak: Boil beans for 2 minutes, turn off heat, cover, and let sit 1 hour.

   • Overnight soak: Cover beans with water and let sit overnight (8–12 hours).

3. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.

4. Simmer: Add beans to a pot, cover with fresh water (about 2 inches above the beans), and bring to a boil.

5. Lower the heat and simmer gently, uncovered or partially covered.

6. Flavor the pot with aromatics like onion, garlic, bay leaf, or herbs (but wait to add salt or anything acidic until the beans are tender — they can toughen the skins early on).

7. Cook time: Depends on the bean — anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Test a few along the way.

Pro tip: If they seem stubborn and tough near the end, adding a pinch of baking soda to the water can help soften them!