Cooking beans – tips for perfect preparation

Beans are very versatile in the kitchen. There are over 700 varieties, each with their own colors, shapes and flavors. They are great as a side dish, in salads or as the main ingredient in stews. Beans are full of nutrients and enrich many dishes.

Green beans are great as a crunchy side dish or in fresh bowls. Dried beans such as white, kidney or black beans need a little preparation. But they taste intense and are filling. The correct preparation of beans is important for the taste and texture.

There are a few things to bear in mind when cooking green beans. The protein phasin in raw beans can cause problems. Therefore, green beans must be cooked for at least 10 minutes at 100 degrees.

Cooking time in a pot is 10-15 minutes, steaming 15-20 minutes. Frozen beans need less time. After cooking, the water should be thrown away.

Important findings

• Over 700 types of beans with different properties
• Green beans must be cooked for at least 10 minutes
• Dried beans require soaking time
• Correct cooking time is crucial for taste and texture
• Beans are rich in nutrients and versatile

Basic preparation of different types of beans

The correct preparation of beans is very important. There are different methods, depending on the type of bean and its condition.

Wash and clean fresh green beans properly

You should be thorough when washing beans. Rinse them under cold water. Remove strings and damaged areas.

Cut off the ends. Then divide them into smaller pieces as you like.

Soak and prepare dried beans

Dried beans need soaking. This should take 8-12 hours. A quick method is to boil them briefly and then leave them to stand for an hour.

You can usually reuse the soaking water.

Differences between bush and runner beans

Bush beans and runner beans are different. Bush beans, such as princess beans, are great for salads or side dishes. Runner beans, such as French beans, are firmer and go well with stews.

Cooking beans – methods and cooking times

There are many ways to cook beans. Each method affects the taste and texture. Here you can learn how to cook beans to perfection.

Classic cooking method with salt water

Beans need 10-15 minutes to cook using the salted water method. This method works well with fresh green beans. Wash the beans first and cut off the ends.

Steaming and braising as an alternative

Steaming is a gentle method of cooking. You cook the beans in a closed pot. The cooking time is 15-20 minutes.

Perfect cooking time for different types of beans

The cooking time depends on the type of bean and the method. Here is an overview:

Professional tips for a crunchy texture

Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the cooking water to make beans crunchy. This keeps the green color and improves the texture. After cooking, cool the beans in ice water to keep them crunchy.

Conclusion

Beans are very versatile in the kitchen and rich in protein. There are many types of beans, from fresh to dried. Dried beans need 1 to 2 hours soaking time, depending on the type.

Beans usually take 2 to 3 hours to cook. This can be quicker in a pressure cooker. But be careful, tomatoes can extend the cooking time. You can add a little baking soda to soften them.

There are many great recipes with beans, from stews to bean hummus. Beans are full of fiber and carbohydrates that digest slowly. They keep blood sugar stable and are filling. Beans are great as a side dish, in salads or as a main course.