How to Properly Cook Dried Beans

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By hoolihan0519
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Dried Beans

Dried beans are a real staple in foods for many, many regions of the world. Dried beans are a great source of protein. Many vegetarians eat beans as one of the foods to replace meat in their diet. Beans are fat free and can be used in many dishes when cooking.

Dried beans can also be very decorative. I have seen beans used to make mosaic pictures. A very pretty kitchen decoration is a large jar of mixed beans. If you make one be sure to add beans of every color you can find. Sometimes a whole foods store has more varieties and you can scoop up just as many of each color as you want. Add a lid covered in fabric for a great decoration.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Kidney Beans

Salt toughens beans. Delay salting until your beans are the desired tenderness. Acidity will also toughen the beans. If you recipe is one that calls for lemon juice or tomato juice, add the juice after the beans are done cooking.
Step 2

Soup Mix

You need to soak beans before you cook them. Place beans in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and allow then to boil for two minutes. Remove from heat and let them stand for one hour. To cook cover the beans again with cold water and bring to a boil. Turn down to simmer and cook until they are the desired tenderness.
Step 3

White and Black Beans

If you like your beans on the creamy side, cook with the lid on. If you prefer them a bit firmer, cook with the lid off.
Step 4

Dried Peas

To know if your beans are done, check them the way our grandmothers did. Taste them!