Q: How do I cook dry beans?

Lynne: Short of using a pressure cooker, this is the quickest and, I think, most goof-proof way to cook dried beans: Rinse the beans then soak them in boiling water to cover by about 3 inches for 1 to 2 hours, or in cold water overnight. Drain off the soaking liquid, put the beans in a pot and cover with 3 inches of water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer gently until beans are tender. This can take from 45 minutes up to 3 hours depending upon the beans and how old they are. Check for tenderness by tasting. Note that if you add molasses or brown sugar, or an acidic ingredient such as tomatoes or wine, it will take longer for the beans to become tender.

Back to Boiling Water 101

Weeknight Kitchen® is a free weekly e-mail newsletter full of new recipes and tips from Lynne and our guests.
Sign up »
This week's newsletter »

The Splendid Table®, is now available for free in podcast form. Follow the Sterns as they travel the country, hear all our unique and wonderful guests and, as always, Lynne takes your calls, downloaded direct to your computer every week.
Get the podcast

Get our recipes delivered straight to your iGoogle account with our new Google Gadget. It's free. It's easy. Find out how you can install this new feature on your Google Homepage.
Learn More