How to Cook Dried Beans

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Dried beans are a pantry for inexpensive, healthy meals. I like to buy dried beans in bulk and store them in mason jars. Whether on their own as a side dish,  added to soups, salads, or stews beans are a great source of plant based protein. Why you ask?  High in dietary fiber, Iron, Potassium, and Magnesium and low in cholesterol, beans are an easy way to have pack in a lot of nutrition.  And at about $2.99 per pound, extremely economical.

MEAL PREP TIP: Cooked beans can be frozen in portions to have on hand and use whenever you need them. 

PIN IT!! Save your favorite recipes to Pinterest. Follow The Brooklyn Mom on Pinterest for more recipe ideas and healthy living tips! 

COOKING TIP: Do not add salt to the beans before cooking. This will make the beans tough. Salt after cooking!

With my last batch of dried white beans, I made this White Bean and Shrimp Soup inspired by a soup that my husband loved in a NYC restaurant years ago. Perfect for those cold winter nights (Actually, I love soup all year long!)

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How to Cook Dried Beans

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A simple way to cook dried beans

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried beans
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. First, you will need to soak your beans. Place beans in a large bowl. Cover with water, cover and let soak 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse. As an alternative, you can use the quick soak method: Put beans in a large pot covered by 2" of water. Cover and boil for 1 hour.
2. Add the beans to a large pot. Add water until the beans are covered by 2".
3. Add onion and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover.
4. Simmer for 1 -1 1/2 hours until beans are tender. Drain and season with salt and pepper