How to Soften Dried Beans

Overview

It is important to soften dried beans before cooking them. The preferred method is to soak them overnight in water. Beans will often triple in size after soaking, hence a cup of dried beans will make three cups of beans once cooked.

Step 1

Pour the beans in a bowl. Sort through them and remove any debris such as rocks, dirt and imperfect beans.

Step 2

Begin rinsing the beans. Use warm water to remove dirt, dust and dried debris. Soaking the beans will remove the dust, but you will then need to rinse the beans after you soak them.

Step 3

Place the dried beans in a pot. Add enough water to cover the beans completely. You will need three cups of water for each pound of dried beans.

Step 4

Cover the pot with a lid. Let the beans soak at room temperature for eight to 10 hours.

Step 5

Cook the beans to the desired texture. Soaked beans will cook in one to three hours.