Basic Beans

Beans, especially those harvested within one year, do not need to be soaked overnight to cook. They cook more evenly and more quickly if they are soaked.

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Ingredients

1 lb dried beans
water
salt

Method

  1. Rinse the beans removing any that are damaged and keeping an eye out for stones
  2. Place in a pot and then cover with cold water by at least two inches of water
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and then cook until the beans are tender. To tell doneness, taste one, it should be tender and not have a chalky white center
  4. Add a big pinch of salt to the cooking water and let the beans cool in the salted water
  5. Drain and use the beans in any recipe