Cooking dried beans may seem intimidating, but it's simple with the right preparation. Soaking the beans beforehand and simmering them gently on the stove ensures a tender and flavorful result. Perfect for soups, stews, or as a side, homemade beans are healthier and tastier than canned versions.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dried beans, how to cook beans, stovetop beans
Slow Soak: Add 1 pound of beans to a large pot with 10 cups of water. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
Quick Soak: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 pound of dried beans and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans.
Cook the Beans
Place soaked beans in a large pot, and fill with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 1-3 hours, checking every 20 minutes after the first hour, until beans are tender. Drain the beans and they’re ready for use in any recipe!
Notes
Cooking time varies based on bean type and soaking duration.
Be sure to simmer, not boil, to avoid mushy beans.