Quick tip-using dried beans

Saturday, December 7, 2024

You can grow and dry your own beans or buy them.  Dried beans are significantly less expensive than canned beans and you don’t have to worry about BPA from can linings (Eden Foods has BPA free canned beans).  

It takes some planning to use dried beans.  I take them out the night before and put them in a bowl of water to soak.  Use 4 cups of water to 1 cup of beans; the beans will absorb significant amounts of water.  Then, drain, rinse, and cover with water in a pot and cook for 20 minutes at a boil.  They are now ready to use for your favorite recipe!  

If I am doing chili, I will put the dried beans with my homemade tomato sauce, chili powder and a quart of frozen tomatoes into the slow cooker right before I go to bed on low.  By morning, the beans are soft. I cook the burger, chopped onions, minced garlic and add to the pot to warm about an hour before serving.

Growing your own beans let you try heirloom and unique varieties.  For how to grow this easy crop, Growing beans