Are you tired of tough, underwhelming beans that never quite hit the mark? Say goodbye to culinary frustration and hello to the most effortless, delicious bean preparation technique you'll ever encounter! Our Basic Technique Slow Cooker Dried Beans recipe is a game-changer that turns ordinary dried beans into creamy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy home cook or a kitchen novice, this method will revolutionize the way you think about preparing beans forever.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried beans (any variety)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional seasonings (garlic, onion, bay leaf)
Instructions
- Sort through the dried beans carefully, removing any small stones, debris, or damaged beans.
- Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dust or dirt.
- Optional: Perform a quick soak by placing beans in a large bowl and covering with hot water. Let sit for 1 hour to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans if using the quick soak method.
- Transfer the beans to the slow cooker and add 4 cups of fresh water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the beans and water.
- If desired, add optional seasonings like 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 diced onion, or 1-2 bay leaves for additional flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 6 hours, checking occasionally to ensure beans remain submerged in water.
- Test beans for tenderness by gently pressing a bean between two fingers. They should be soft but not mushy.
- Once beans are tender, turn off slow cooker and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Drain excess liquid, reserving some if you want a soupier consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or herbs as needed.
- Serve warm or use in your favorite recipes.
Tips
- Always sort and rinse your beans thoroughly to remove any debris or damaged beans.
- Consider the quick soak method to reduce cooking time and improve bean digestibility.
- Don't skip salting - it enhances the beans' flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Experiment with additional seasonings like garlic, onion, or bay leaves to customize your beans.
- Check water levels occasionally to ensure beans remain fully submerged during cooking.
- Test bean tenderness by gently pressing between your fingers - they should be soft but not mushy.
- Let beans rest for 15 minutes after cooking to allow them to absorb final flavors and achieve perfect texture.
- Store leftover beans in their cooking liquid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
- For added depth, consider using broth instead of water for cooking.
- Remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on bean variety and age.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 245kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
