Canned Beans Versus Dry Beans? My two cents.

Which are best?

I personally think that using dried beans is the best route to go in any circumstance. They are cheaper to start with, and they don’t contain the extremely high sodium levels that most canned products have. And there are always concerns of certain canned products in general. Check out the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website often to stay up to date on any food recalls that occur. And there is always the concern of just trying to eliminate as many processed foods from our diet as possible! This is just another small way to add healthier options to your everyday diet

AND since I make so much hummus and chili (and just because beans are such a great addition to any diet) I keep dried red kidney and garbanzo beans in the cupboard at all times. I use the ‘PC Brand Blue Choice Menu” beans and haven never had a problem with these products!

The only downside to this product is that you really have to plan when you are using them in advance because they need to be soaked prior to cooking.

There are typically two ways that you can soak your beans.

1. Quick Hot Water Soak:

For every 1 cup of beans add 3 cups of water and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain the soaking water and rinse with cold water.

2. Overnight Cold Water Soak:

For every 1 cup of beans add 3 cups of water and let stand for 12 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Basic cooking instructions:

Bring beans and clean water to a boil and and cook at a simmer for 60-90 minutes until tender. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to the cooking water to reduce foaming. Add any salt and acidic ingredients (tomatoes, vinegar) after beans are fully cooked.

Yield: 1 cup dried beans equals approximately 2 1/2 – 3 cup of cooked beans. SO MANY BEANS!!!

I do keep a few cans of ready-to-use beans in the cupboard for when I am short on time, but totally recommend the dried beans for any other occasion.

Dried Red Kidney and Garbanzo beans

Closer look at the dried beans, they are hard as rocks!