How to Soak Dry Beans

How do you soak dried beans before cooking?

Dried beans need to be pre-soaked before cooking with them.
Use a large pot because beans expand during soaking (up to 2 to 2-1/2 times bigger)!

To prepare dried beans before soaking:

Rinse them in cold water.

Remove any damaged or discolored ones.

Method 1: Overnight Soak in Cold Water
For each cup of dried beans, add 3 cups of water.
Let them soak overnight in an uncovered pot.
The next day, drain the water they've soaked in and cover them with fresh water.

Method 2: Hot-Soak or Quick-Soak
For each pound of dried beans, add 10 cups of water.
Heat until boiling and let boil for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the beans from the heat, cover and set aside for at least four hours or more (Hot-Soak) OR at least one hour or more (Quick-Soak).
Drain the water they've soaked in and cover them with fresh water.