How to cook kidney beans

Name: How to cook kidney beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 13 h 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 7 oz dried kidney beans; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 bay leaf; Water; Salt

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Side dish

Very Easy

13 h 10 m

90 Kcal

Looking for a simple way to prepare dried kidney beans at home? We've got just the recipe! Learn how to cook them in a saucepan super-easily. With our recipe, all you have to do is soak the beans overnight and the next day, in just 45 minutes, you'll have tender, juicy beans ready to use in a whole host of dishes, like chili con carne for example!

Ingredients

7 oz dried kidney beans
1/2 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 bay leaf
Water
Salt

Materials

Saucepan
Mixer/Blender

Preparation

Preparation15 min

Waiting time12 h 10 m

Cook time45 min

Soak dried beans in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Once this time has elapsed, drain and rinse the beans.
Place the beans in a saucepan and add water until they are covered by at least 2 inches/5 cm. Add the onion, garlic cloves and bay leaf.
Bring the pan to the boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, remove any scum with a spoon and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes.
Remove garlic, onion and a few cooked kidney beans. Use a blender to purée them. Add this purée to the pan with the rest of the beans (this will give them a thicker texture and a more intense flavour). Add salt to taste and mix well before serving.
And it's ready!

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FAQ ❓

How long can I keep baked kidney beans?

Cooked kidney beans can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Should kidney beans be soaked before cooking?

We recommend soaking kidney beans before cooking them in a normal saucepan, as this helps to reduce cooking time and eliminate some of the compounds that can cause gas and digestive problems. If you decide to cook the beans without soaking them, be sure to wash them well and cook them over low heat for as long as necessary until they are tender, which can take hours.

Can I add salt to the cooking water before the beans are cooked?

It is not recommended to add salt to the cooking water before the beans are tender, as this can harden the beans and prolong cooking time.

What spices and herbs can I add to the beans to give them flavor?

There are many spices and herbs you can add, for example: oregano, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, cumin or sweet paprika.

How do I know if the beans are sufficiently cooked?

To find out if the beans are sufficiently cooked, try mashing them with a fork. If they're tender and mash easily, they're ready. If they're still hard, they need more cooking time.

Can I add other ingredients to the pan while I'm cooking the beans?

Of course you can! Adding other ingredients to the beans while they're cooking is a great way to improve their taste and create a more complete dish. Vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery and peppers are good options. Meat, such as bacon, ham or chorizo, can also be added to give the beans more flavor and protein.

Why add baking soda to kidney beans?

Adding baking soda to the cooking water for kidney beans tenderizes them more quickly by making the water more alkaline, which softens the legumes' skin and reduces their cooking time. It can also improve digestibility by reducing some of the sugars responsible for bloating. However, it should be used sparingly (about 1/4 teaspoon per liter of water), as too much can alter the taste and make the beans mushy.