The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Dried Beans

There's an ongoing debate about the best way to cook dried beans. We conducted a series of experiments to debunk some common myths and find the most effective method.

Myth-Busting Results

After testing various methods, here are our key takeaways:

1. Soaking Beans

Our experiments showed that soaking beans overnight did not significantly impact cooking time. Therefore, we recommend skipping the soaking process altogether.

2. Cooking Liquid

Cooking beans in their soaking liquid resulted in more flavorful beans with a richer color and texture. So, if you choose to soak your beans, cook them in the same liquid.

3. Quick-Soaking

Quick-soaking beans for an hour produced beans with a great flavor profile. This method is ideal if you want to enhance the taste of your beans.

4. Cooking Method

Cooking beans with the lid off led to beans with a more flavorful broth. Therefore, we recommend leaving the lid off while cooking.

5. Oven Cooking

Cooking beans in the oven resulted in waterlogged beans that took longer to cook. Stick to stovetop cooking for better results.

6. Salting Beans

Contrary to popular belief, salting beans early on in the cooking process resulted in more tender beans. Therefore, don't hesitate to add salt from the beginning.

Best Way to Cook Dried Beans

Based on our experiments, the best way to cook dried beans is to quick-soak them, salt them at the beginning, and cook them without a lid. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Quick-Soak

Place 1 lb. dried pinto beans in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then let rest for an hour.

Step 2: Salt and Simmer

Stir in 1½ tsp. kosher salt, bring to a boil, then simmer until beans are tender.

Step 3: Store Beans

Freeze cooked beans in portions for future use. They can be stored in the fridge for 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

6 Ways to Use Cooked Beans

Now that you have a batch of cooked beans, here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

• Make bean dip


• Stir them into soup or stew


• Marinate them


• Make 'em saucy


• Crisp them


• Build a bowl

Experiment with these recipes to make the most of your pantry staple. Enjoy the versatility and flavor of cooked beans in various dishes!