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Homemade Dry Beans Recipe

This homemade dry beans recipe transforms simple dried beans into tender, flavorful, and versatile meals that are both healthy and budget-friendly.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean, Mexican
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried beans black beans, pinto, kidney, navy, or your favorite variety
  • 8 cups water plus more for soaking
  • 1 onion halved
  • 2 garlic cloves smashed
  • 1 –2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt add more to taste after cooking
  • Optional: herbs thyme, rosemary, black pepper, or a splash of olive oil

Method
 

  1. Rinse the beans under cold water.
  2. Place them in a large bowl.
  3. Cover with 3–4 inches of water.
  4. Soak overnight (8–12 hours).
  5. Drain and rinse the beans.
Quick Soak Option:
  1. Place beans in a pot with water.
  2. Boil for 2 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat.
  4. Cover the pot and let sit for 1 hour.
Cooking the Beans:
  1. Place soaked beans in a large pot.
  2. Add 8 cups of fresh water.
  3. Add onion, garlic, and bay leaves.
  4. Bring to a boil.
  5. Lower the heat to a simmer.
  6. Cook for 45 minutes to 2 hours.
  7. Check beans often until tender.
Seasoning and Storing:
  1. Add salt when beans are almost soft.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Remove onion, garlic, and bay leaves.
  4. Store beans with cooking liquid in the fridge for 5 days.
  5. Freeze beans for up to 3 months.