Cooking beans at home is a simple way to save money and provide the base for many healthy meals — plus it requires little effort!
Beans are easy to keep on hand in the fridge or freezer, so you can quickly put together everything from basic beans and rice (seasoned differently in different cultures) to soups, salads, dips and spreads.
Beans deliver flavor, fiber and protein. Plus, they're satisfying and super affordable. If your body is not used to beans, start slowly and eat them regularly.
Get Cooking in 3 Easy Steps
Spread beans in a single layer on a large sheet tray; pick through to remove small stones or debris. Rinse well.
In a large pot, cover the beans in 3 inches of water and soak for 8 hours to overnight.
Rinse well, then place the beans in a large pot of cold, fresh water. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender.
Time-saving tip: use the quick-soaking method instead. Cover the beans with an inch of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for one hour. Then drain and cook as usual.
Cooking Times
Take a look at the cooking times for a few of our favorite beans and add these options to your repertoire. As a general rule: 1 cup dried beans = 2 1/2 – 3 cups cooked beans.
Adzuki beans: 3/4 – 1 hour
Black beans: 1 1/2 hours
Black eyed peas: 1 hour
Cannellini beans: 1 1/2 hours
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas): 1 1/2 – 2 hours
Pinto beans: 2 hours
Red kidney beans: 1 – 1 1/2 hours
Time to Eat
Dig into a few of our favorite bean recipes and get inspired.
Black Bean Hummus opens in a new tab
Winter Four-Bean Salad opens in a new tab
Red Beans and Rice Soup opens in a new tab
Tangy Bean Salad with Carrots and Green Onions opens in a new tab
Learn more about beans including selection, taste and storage in our guide to beans opens in a new tab and discover healthy bean recipes opens in a new tab including stews, burgers, salads, chilis and spreads.
What are your favorite beans, and what do you enjoy making with them? Share in the comments below.
