She Says: How to make beans. I think.
Last night I made dried beans from a bag for the first time ever. I’d always been very intimidated by dried beans in a bag and used the canned variety for all of my cooking. But, the theme of the month is Food on a Budget, so I bought a bag of dried Pinto Beans for less than a dollar and got to work.
I had no idea what to do, so I looked on the back of the bag. There I found three ways to cook these beans (1) overnight soak; (2) quick soak; or (3) simmer.
I chose method (3) and the whole process took about an hour and a half.
First, I rinsed about 2 cups of beans.
Second, I added about 6 cups of hot water to a pan, added the beans and simmered. I added a cover and left it off a little bit so some steam escaped.
After about an hour they looked like this…
The result: these beans tasted so good! I love beans and consume them pretty much daily, but I’ve never really had a bean taste quite like this. Now I know what pinto beans actually taste like. When you eat beans from a can, even if unsalted, they all kind of taste the same, right? Well these taste nothing like that and it didn’t take all that long to do.
So far, I’ve used the beans to make Veggie Pesto Soup and Cheesy Beans and Rice.
I also used the beans to make one of my oddest snacks in awhile.
Beans, with Greek yogurt and flaxseed. Delicious to me.
Enjoy beans.
In non-bean news … I was approved by the town’s school board to sub. I was fingerprinted today and should have my certification in a couple weeks so I can sub in other towns, too! My days of being a sloth are numbered.
Also, I tried the Cinnamon Raisin Bar that Gnu sent me and it was fabulous. I might like it even better than the Banana Walnut Bar (which I discussed here) because it tastes like an undercooked oatmeal cookie and I don’t even recall having to eat a raisin. I hate raisins in baked goods.
Finally, thanks Melissa! I received my winnings from the HMC challenge and can’t wait to eat/use them. There was another bar, but Mark already ate it.
Tags: beans, flax, gnu bar review, Greek yogurt
January 13th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
You’ve inspired me! I, too, have always used canned beans, and I actually did buy a bag of dried black beans a while ago, but they’ve just been sitting in my cupboard! I think I’m going to simmer them tomorrow
January 13th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
That yogurt/bean creation is definitely an odd combo! But, beans and sour cream are good, so I pick up what you’re laying down.
I always buy canned, but I rarely use the whole can so I waste a lot too. I suppose if I switch to dry beans, I can just cook what amount I want and have cans for Emergencies only. It seems that my days of lazy bean usage are over. Thanks a lot.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Thaaaank you. Next time I buy beans, I’ll buy the dried and try it out. Excited!
I think being a sub would be fun because you’d get to be with lots of different ages, different grades, different kids, schools, etc. all the time.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Beans and Greek yogurt…hmm…I can see that tasty pretty good. Kind of like sour cream and beans? I might throw in a tortilla, too, yum…
Congrats on becoming a sub!
January 13th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Hooray for successful bean-making and numbered sloth days!
January 13th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Dang i may have to take the plunge and simmer myself some beans! That sounds really tasty and worth it. Do you wait till the water is boiling to add the beans, or just hot? Anywho- CONGRATS on your certification approval, that is soo awesome, i’m thinking of taking the CBEST here in CA so i can sub!??
January 13th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Congrats on being able to sub! Hopefully you get some work out of it soon.
And congrats on making your own beans! That’s something I have yet to try out. What’s in your cheesey beans & rice, just out of curiousity
January 13th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Fabulous!!! Thank you!! Can’t beat home-cooked beans
**Just as a heads up: I will not be able to comment on blogs as often now, during this semester, due to work overload (I’m stressed already) – PLEASE know that I’m still loyally reading, but just won’t have time to comment. I hope you understand!!
January 13th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Mmmm cheesy beans and pesto stew! Yum and cheap, best combo ever. I used some bulk beans today, too! I’ve got to do that more often.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
yay for dried beans!
Did you also know that you can put some of your cooked beans into a ziplock and FREEZE them for easy access next time you cook? that way you don’t have to spend an hour cooking beans and can just grab and cook
Just thought I’d share!
January 13th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Congrats on the certification! They are lucky to have you!
January 13th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
It’s amazing how cheap and easy dried beans are. They just take a little forethought.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
i’ve never made dried beans before, but after your testimonial i’ll definitely have too!
the cinnamon-raisin gnu is my all time favorite!
congrats on the certification!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Woohooo, subbing!
Also, way to go conquering the dried beans! I’ve always been super intimidated to use dried beans, I have no idea why! It looks so simple.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I’ve always bean to scared to cook my own beans. Thanks for posting the how to!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Congrats on getting your certification! Cheesy beans are always a good thing. Yogurt, flax and beans…interesting combo. Not really sure how to imagine that one!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
beans and yogurt? hmm… but i like that cheesy beans and rice
so glad you can work as a sub now!!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Hey girl! I tried the cherry chocolate bumble today and LOVED it! You rock
. I need to try making beans from the dried variety! That cheesy beans and rice looks AMAZING!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Beans, beans everywhere! I just recently started making them from the bag as well and it is easy! The only problem is remembering to make them before you actually need them for a recipe. Whoops.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
YAY for beans! I also find dried beans intimidating, but you make it sound so easy that I might just give them a try. Congrats on not being a sloth anymore!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
totally awesome post because i will now make beans because of you and only you! haha… i don’t eat beans everyday- i had some esophagus problems and thus, digestive problems, and couldn’t handle beans for the longest time! I eat them now but just not as much as I used to.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
So glad it arrived safe and sound. I am glad you like the card, I love quoteable cards
January 13th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Awesome about subbing! Yeah the dried beans are better I agree. And enjoy those granola planks! I love them!
January 13th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Congrats on your certification!
January 13th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I cooked dry beans once and thought they tasted funny. I need to give it another try!
January 13th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Carolinebee: I add the beans to the hot wate and then made it boil.
Marianne: Three ingredients: brown rice, pinto beans and mozzerella cheese.
Erica: Mark thoroughly enjoyed that bar, so I’m glad you liked it, too.
Sarah: Thanks so much for the freezing information!
January 13th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
CONGRATS ON YOUR APPROVAL!! That’s great news!
Thanks for the review – I can’t find the good Gnu flavors around here at all! I’ll post the pic of the TJs burgers tomorrow.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Great winnings! I am curious about that keribar!
Great job with the beans!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Congratulations!
And horray for the winnings, and thanks for sharing the lovely bean process!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
beans with fage and flax??? such a great idea for snack!!! loading proteins!!!!!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Congrats!!!!!!!!! hooray for the subbing finally working out! in bean related news…im so excited to save $$$ and make my own delish beans, that greek yog + bean concoction sounds GREAT. oh im so inspired
January 14th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Glad to hear the beans were worth the effort! I’ve been meaning to try that myself…if only there were six more hours in the day!
January 14th, 2009 at 1:12 am
I’ve always steered away from beans but maybe I should give them another chance..
they are healthy and I can see from your pictures that there are actually lots of things to do with them.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:28 am
I just can’t do beans. I’ve tried. It just doesn’t work.
I feel like I’m missing out.
January 14th, 2009 at 2:07 am
my mom and grandmother use dry beans all the time. they actually soak them overnight before cooking them, i’m not really sure what the difference is – i think it has to do with the starch/outside of the bean
January 14th, 2009 at 6:19 am
Thanks for the beans tutorial…I think a lot of people (including me!) are afraid to make them at home but this looks do-able!
January 14th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Love the beans! Congrats to you!
January 14th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Congrats on getting approved!!
Cooking beans from scratch really intimidates me but I know it can save a boat load of money. I am hoping that once my current canned supply runs out that I will go to dried beans.
January 14th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Congrats Heather!
I have never made beans from scratch. It is actually surprising to me that the Clean Eating magazine says to used canned beans, I guess out of convenience.
Yes, I mash the chick peas with a fork. I don’t think they mash that well, so yes some are still semi-whole. I add a little of the vinaigrette from the magazine to make it a little easier to mash them.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:04 am
You’ve inspired me to buy dry beans. Never done it, but I want to try now. I think your bean/yogurt/flax snack sounds really good. Would never thought of that combo, but all great sources of protein!
So glad you’ll be substituting soon…can’t wait to read some on-the-job posts!
January 14th, 2009 at 11:42 am
congrats on being able to sub! that is great news!
January 14th, 2009 at 11:45 am
oooh thanks for the how-to and show-of dried beans!!!! i might feel brave enough now to try it
and gnu bar, hmm? it might not be my bar of choice, but i haven’t yet tried the cinn-raisin maybe i’ll pick it up 
January 14th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I love dried beans! I’m the opposite of you, it took me a long time to accept canned beans and I still hesitate to use them in soups… If you have a crockpot, I love to soak beans overnight, throw them in the crockpot in the morning with chopped onion, celery, carrots, garlic, ham (optional), and spices and set it on low. When I get home 9-10 hours later I have perfectly done bean soup with very little effort!
January 14th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
congrats on being certified. I have always been scared of dried beans too. Now, I may have to try it. Oh and those cheesy beans and rice look delicious.
January 16th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Beans are awesome crockpot food! Put some dried beans, some veggies like carrots, celery, onions, parsnips (and other hard veggies that can stand up to long cooking times) along with some water (or broth) to cover, a bay leaf and some salt and pepper in the crockpot and let it go all day while you’re at work. When you get home, you can add pasta, rice, potatoes and quick-cooking veggies (like peas, corn, &c), let it cook for another 30min or so, and ta-da! Cheap, easy dinner!
January 19th, 2009 at 12:29 am
Congrats on getting approved to sub. That’s really great news!!
October 10th, 2009 at 11:15 am
[...] it. A ton of black beans (I’ve been “cooking” them from dried form lately, thanks to Hangry Heather), spinach, mushrooms, onions, salsa, and avocado on a wholewheat [...]