How do you make beans?

Making beans requires a few simple steps. Here's a general guide to prepare cooked dried beans:

1. Sorting:

- Start bysorting your dried beans. Remove any debris, small rocks, or discoloured beans.

2. Soaking:

- Soaking the beans is optional but recommended, as it helps reduce cooking time and makes them more digestible.

- Place the beans in a large bowl or pot and cover them with water.

- Let them soak for at least 4-8 hours or even overnight.

3. Draining:

- Drain the beans and discard the soaking water.

4. Rinsing:

- Rinse the beans thoroughly with fresh water.

5. Cooking:

- Transfer the rinsed beans to a cooking pot. Add fresh water so that it covers the beans by about 1-2 inches.

- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beans simmer for approximately 1-2 hours, or until they are tender.

- Check regularly and add more water if needed to keep the beans covered.

- Be sure to keep the beans below boiling temperature to prevent the skins from breaking.

6. Seasoning:

- Once the beans are cooked, add salt and any desired seasonings, herbs, or spices.

- Be careful with salting the beans, as too much salt can cause the skins to toughen.

7. Cooking Time:

- Cooking time can vary depending on the type of beans and their age. Some beans may require longer cooking times.

8. Checking Doneness:

- To check if the beans are fully cooked, taste a few. They should be tender but not mushy.

- If the beans are still firm, continue cooking them until desired tenderness is reached.

9. Serving:

- Once the beans are cooked and seasoned to your preference, they are ready to serve.

- You can use cooked beans in various recipes like soups, stews, salads, tacos, burritos, or as a side dish.

Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your local climate and the type of beans you are using. Some beans, especially older beans, might require longer soaking and cooking times.