How to cook red kidney beans in a regular pot

Name: How to cook red kidney beans in a regular pot
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; 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 red kidney beans at home? We've got just the recipe! Learn how to cook them in a regular pot and enjoy their nutritional benefits and versatility. Although some people think this process is long and complicated, they're wrong! With our recipe, all you have to do is soak the beans overnight and, the next day, cook them for just 45 minutes to get tender, juicy beans ready to use in a variety of dishes, such as chili con carne, salads, soups, beans with chorizo, and other side dishes. Follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Ingredients

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

Materials

Saucepan
Blender/food processor

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 pot to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, skim off any foam with a spoon, and cover the pot. Cook the beans for 45 minutes, or until tender.
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 that's it! You now have delicious homemade red kidney beans to enjoy.

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FAQ ❓

How long can I keep cooked kidney beans?

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

Do kidney beans need to be soaked, or can they be cooked without soaking?

We recommend soaking kidney beans before cooking them in a regular pot, as this helps reduce cooking time and remove some of the compounds that can cause gas and indigestion. If you decide to cook the beans without soaking them, be sure to wash them well and simmer them until 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 make them tough and increase the 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, such as oregano, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, cumin, or sweet paprika. You can also add other ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or vegetable broth, to give the beans even more flavor.

How can I tell if the beans are cooked enough?

To check whether the beans are cooked enough, try biting into one or mashing it with a fork. If they are tender and mash easily, they are ready. If they are still hard, they need to cook longer.

Can I add other ingredients to the pot while the beans are cooking?

Of course! Adding other ingredients to the beans while they cook is a great way to enhance their flavor 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.