Talk to me about cooking beans from scratch

In an effort to eat healthier, less processed food, I have bought several bags of dried beans instead of the cans. I did a quick google search on how to cook these buddies but I know you guys are pros----offer me tips to make the process easier and quicker.

Feel free to share your yummy recipes as well.

Re: Talk to me about cooking beans from scratch

I don't know too much about cooking beans but my mom is an expert. I know she soaks the beans overnight and that she doesn't add salt to the pot until after the beans have been cooking for a while, she says if you add it too early the beans won't continue to soften. Oh, add she adds some No Salt Tomato Sauce (Hunts or Del Monte). She does lots more to them but this is all I remember. Hopefully someone esle will fill in the blans. Hope these tips help.

Re: Talk to me about cooking beans from scratch

I love cooking my own beans from dried, not sure why, but I do.

I soak them overnight and than boil them for about an hour until they are tender enough to eat. If I am going to use them in a casserole recipe or something like that, I leave them a bit firmer so they finish cooking in the dish. Other than that, just soak and boil!

Don't add salt, I hear they make the beans hard.