Ever had beans that were too hard, too mushy, or just plain bland? We’ve all been there. Let’s crack the code on cooking beans with three game-changing tips that’ll elevate your bean game from meh to marvelous.
Soaking (A Short-Cut)
The common wisdom suggests soaking beans overnight before cooking them to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. But, if you’re short on time, the quick soak method can be a lifesaver. Simply boil the beans for two minutes, then remove them from the heat and let them stand, covered, for an hour. Same result, much less time!
Adding Baking Soda
A little-known trick to achieving perfectly soft beans is the addition of baking soda to the cooking water. Baking soda creates a slightly alkaline environment, which helps break down the beans’ surface, making them softer and reducing cooking time. As little as a quarter teaspoon per pound of beans is all you need.
The Right Time to Salt
There’s a longstanding myth that salting beans at the beginning of cooking can toughen their skins. However, recent culinary insights suggest otherwise. Adding salt to the soaking water or at the beginning of cooking can actually help the beans cook more evenly and enhance their flavor from the inside out.
