How to Freeze Dried Beans
Beans are a favorite of many healthy eaters and budget-conscious cooks, as they are low in fat, high in protein and easy on the wallet. One of the cheapest ways to purchase beans is in dried form. Dried beans will last for years if stored properly, and they can be frozen. Since dried beans have been dehydrated, they must be soaked or cooked prior to freezing so that the moisture from the freezer does not destroy the bean. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dried beans
- Measuring cups
- Cooking pot
- Water
- Measuring spoons
- 1 to 2 tbsp. cooking oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- Air-tight containers
- Freezer
Instructions
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Reconstituting Beans
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1
Pour dried beans into a large cooking pot.
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2
Cover the beans with enough water so that there is at least 1 inch of water on top of the beans. A general rule to follow is that there should be 6 cups of water for every pound (or 2 cups) of dried beans.
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3
Pour in 1 to 2 tbsp. oil.
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4
Mix in 1 tsp. salt.
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5
Bring the beans to a boil, then cover the pot and allow the mixture to simmer.
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6
Make sure that throughout the cooking process, beans remain covered in water. If most of the liquid is absorbed, add enough hot water to the pot to cover the beans.
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7
Cook beans for 30 minutes less than the recommended cooking time on the package, which can be anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours. Beans are finished when they are almost, but not quite, tender. If fully cooked beans are frozen, they tend to lose their shape and texture.
Freezing Beans
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8
Allow beans to cool to room temperature before freezing.
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9
Place beans in air-tight, moisture-proof containers. For easier thawing, freeze beans in smaller portions.
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10
Fill the containers to within 1 inch from the top.
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11
Cover the beans with water.
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12
Freeze for two to three months.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Dried beans can also be frozen after soaking in water for several hours.
Dried beans should not be refrigerated or frozen if they have not been reconstituted with water, as the moisture from the cooling system will damage the quality of the beans.
Make sure not to leave beans in the freezer too long. It is possible for food to perish in the freezer.
