How to Cook Beans

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how easy it is to cook beans from dried. Once you master cooking beans at home, you'll never go back to canned.

Course Side, Side Dish, Sides

Cuisine American, Indian, Latin American, Mexican, middle eastern, Tex Mex

Diet Gluten Free, Low Fat

Keyword 5 ingredient, beans, black bean, chickpeas, how to

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Soaking Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 50 minutes

Servings

Calories 132kcal

Author Liz DellaCroce

Ingredients

1 pound dried beans any type such as kidney, black, navy, pinto, etc.
1 medium onion peeled and quartered
3 cloves garlic peeled, whole
1 tablespoon salt or more to taste
chipotle peppers in adobo, fresh herbs, etc. optional aromatics

Instructions

Place dried beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak for 8 hours or overnight.
1 pound dried beans
When you're ready to cook the beans, drain the soaking liquid then place soaked beans in a large stock pot. Cover with enough cold water until it reaches about 2-3 inches above the beans.
Add in quartered onion, garlic, salt and any optional aromatics. I love adding in chipotle peppers in adobo whole but fresh rosemary is great too.
1 medium onion, 1 tablespoon salt, chipotle peppers in adobo, fresh herbs, etc., 3 cloves garlic
Bring pot to a boil then reduce to low. Simmer beans until tender, about 30-50 minutes depending on the variety. Serve warm or store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutrition