How To Cook Dried Beans

April 3, 2020 Sophie Fitzpatrick, Kitchen Manager

From The Happy Kitchen Cookbook, Fresh Seasonal Recipes

Makes 6 cups

Dried beans should be a staple of any pantry, but many people don't know how to cook them. Cheaper and more flavorful than their canned cousins, once you learn how to properly cook dried beans, you'll never want it any other way!

Ingredients:

1 pound dried beans*
1 teaspoon canola oil
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt

Optional:

1 sprig epazote

Instructions:

In a colander, rinse the beans under running water. Check for any stones or debris and discard if found.
In a medium pot, combine 2 quarts of water, beans, oil, garlic, and epazote, if using.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 1 hour, or until fully cooked.
Beans are cooked when you can easily smash a bean between two fingers, and it is not dry or hard in the middle.
When beans are done, add salt and simmer for 5 minutes more.

*To make beans more digestible, you may choose to soak them for 4-12 hours before cooking. If soaking beans, drain and rinse them after soaking and cook in fresh water.