Nuts are a wonderful complement to a balanced diet. Nuts are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Beans are easy to cook and can be used in a variety of recipes, either as a side dish or as a main dish. Since canned beans are often lacking in taste and mushy texture, dried beans are preferred for their rich taste and firm texture, but soft when cooked properly.
- Preparation time (soaking): 60-80 minutes (preparing to cook: 15 minutes)
- Cooking time: 30-120 minutes
- Overall time: 90-200 minutes
Step
Method 1 of 4: Sorting and Cleaning Nuts
Step 1. Sort the nuts and discard any shriveled or discolored nuts, as well as any stems, dirt, or soil
Decide how many beans you want before you wash them. Pay close attention to any small stones or pebbles that might accidentally get into the packaging.
Step 2. Place the dried beans in a colander and wash them quickly
Wash under cold running water for about half a minute.
Method 2 of 4: Soaking Beans
Step 1. Soak for a long time if you have overnight time to soak your beans
Soaking the beans for a long time is the preferred method of preparing the beans, if you have set aside sufficient time to soak them overnight. This is done to ensure that after cooking, the beans will be thoroughly cooked, not tough or undercooked.
If you choose to soak the beans for a long time, place the beans in a 4.7-liter saucepan and submerge them in 8 cups (about 2 liters) of water. Cover the pot and let the beans soak overnight in the refrigerator
Step 2. If time is all that matters-since it's limited-try soaking the beans quickly
For a quicker soak, place the beans and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan, cover, and let the beans soak for at least 1 hour.
Step 3. Wait until the beans have doubled or tripled in size, depending on the soaking method you used
If you leave the beans in cold water overnight, they will usually increase in size by at least double. Make sure your pan is large enough to accommodate this size change.
Step 4. Thoroughly rinse the beans in a colander after soaking
Your beans are now ready to cook.
Method 3 of 4: Cooking Beans
Step 1. Put the beans in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover or cover the beans
Step 2. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or olive oil to deal with excess foam, and spilling water from boiling while the beans cook
Since the beans get bigger when they cook, adding a little water to the pot at a time will keep them well-watered, and ensure even cooking.
Step 3. Cook dry beans over low to medium heat
Well-soaked beans usually take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to cook.
Step 4. Consider the exact time according to the type of beans you are cooking
Cooking time varies depending on the type of dry beans.
- Black soybeans (black beans): 60 minutes
- Dark or young kidney beans: 90 to 120 minutes
- Navy Beans: 90 to 120 minutes
- Great northern beans: 45 to 60 minutes
- Pinto Beans: 90 to 120 minutes
Step 5. Test for doneness by pressing a nut with a fork or pressing it with your finger
Ideally, your beans are soft, but not soggy. If your beans are still crunchy (hard) or undercooked after the recommended amount of time, continue to cook them on a low heat, or over low heat, checking for doneness every 10 minutes.
Step 6. Serve the cooked beans
Store the rest in the refrigerator.
Method 4 of 4: Using Nuts in Other Recipes
Step 1. Learn how to cook certain types of beans
Nuts are a magical fruit! Beans are healthy, inexpensive, and easy to cook. Where would it go wrong if you learned the different ways to cook beans? Learn specific ways to cook beans from the following articles.
- Cooking Pinto beans
- Cooking Lima beans
- Cooking black soybeans
- Cooking Cannellini beans
Step 2. Make a vegetarian chili dish with black soybeans and red beans
Who says that chili dishes have to contain meat? A perfect and delicious chili dish can be made using just beans-red beans and black soybeans. This recipe is perfect for a chilly day when your cowboy side is feeling hungry.
Step 3. Make red bean and rice dishes
This Caribbean staple is sure to keep you satisfied, especially if you pair your meal with something, like seafood. Seems simple but definitely filling!
Step 4. Try the red bean hummus recipe
Tired of the same old hummus menu? How about a little change? If you love hummus and are in the mood to give it a try, there's nothing wrong with trying this new recipe.
Step 5. Cook mongo beans, Filipino style
Also known as mung beans or green beans, these green beans are popular in India and Southeast Asia because they are used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Tips
- Although it's quicker because the hot soak takes less time to prepare to cook the beans, keep in mind that this method tends to cause the beans to come out of their shells or membranes and crumble.
- Once you learn how to cook dry beans, try different variations. There are many options that vary in taste, texture, and nutrition.
- Another benefit of using dried beans instead of canned beans is that there is no added sodium in them. Canned beans are often high in salt.
- Prepare ahead of time when you learn how to cook dried beans, so you can use the traditional overnight soak method. Cooked dry beans will get the best results when they are left to soak longer, as they are less likely to crack or crumble. It also feels better.
- Lentils, such as black eyed peas and split peas, don't need to be soaked before cooking.
- Ideally, store your nuts in packaging bags lined with thin-film sheets known under the Mylar trademark, especially those designed for long-term storage. Glass jars can also be used, but allow light to gradually hit the beans. If you decide to use glass jars to store your nuts, be sure to store them in a completely dark place in small quantities.
- If you plan to store a larger number of nuts, consider inserting an oxygen absorber. Oxygen absorbers usually use iron oxide to keep stored food fresh and smell good.
- Store your dried beans in a dry, dark place for up to two years. As with other foods, nuts have an expiration date, although this expiration date can be extended with appropriate precautions. Light and oxygen are the two main enemies of peanuts. Light tends to fade the color of the beans, while oxygen causes the oils in the beans to go rancid.
Warning
- When cooking dry beans, do not add acidic ingredients, such as tomato sauce or vinegar, until they are soft, as this will cause the beans to become mushy.
- Don't try to cook dry beans without soaking them first, as this will make them tough and less palatable.
