Dried Beans Vs. Canned Beans
Dried beans vs. canned beans, which is better? They’re both great options and there are pros and cons to both! While cooking dried beans might take a little more time, we love using dried beans over canned for a few reasons. First, dried beans are generally cheaper and you get more bang for your buck! Second, dried beans tend to be a little healthier and more flavorful because you know exactly what you’re adding in and have control over what ingredients you want to add. One of our favorite dried bean recipes to share is our Crock Pot Pinto Beans. The best part of cooking dried beans is that you can make them in large quantities and use them for various dishes. We love making a batch of beans to use in various recipes, like soups, Mexican Bean Salad or Chili, or to serve alongside of our Mexican dishes!
Safety Considerations
When cooking dried beans, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of consuming undercooked beans. For example, kidney beans contain a natural toxin called phytohaemagglutinin (kidney bean lectin), which can cause illness if the beans aren’t fully cooked. While using a crock pot is a popular and convenient method, make sure the beans are thoroughly cooked, as crock pots can vary in temperature. Undercooking could leave the beans unsafe to eat, so always ensure they’re properly cooked to avoid any health risks.
Supplies
1 (16-ounce) package of dried beans – Pinto, Navy, Kidney, Cannellini or whatever dried bean you prefer! aromatics, optional – You can add aromatics such as a bay leaf, thyme, a few garlic cloves, or chopped onions. colander large bowl, optional – for soaking the dried beans large pot – or crockpot or Instant Pot
How to Cook Dried Beans (Stovetop)
Other Methods To Cook Dried Beans
Using a pot on the stove is the most common method for cooking dried beans, but there are two other convenient options: the Instant Pot and the slow cooker or crock pot. If you decide to go with one of these methods, you can use steps 1-5 from above to prep your beans.
Black beans Navy beans Pinto beans
Medium Beans: 1-2 Hours
Great Northern beans Kidney beans Cannellini beans Black-eyed peas
Large Beans: 1-3 hours
Butter beans (Lima beans) Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans) Fava beans
Instant Pot: Add the soaked beans with fresh water, set it to high pressure, and cook for 25-30 minutes, allowing the pressure to release naturally. Slow Cooker: Just remember, as we mentioned earlier, it’s very important to make sure you’re cooking the beans thoroughly and slow cooker temps can vary. For this method, simply add the beans and water, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until they’re tender.
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