Use this basic recipe to prepare beans. Adding aromatics (such as onion, garlic, and herbs) will flavor the beans and their broth, but leave a neutral flavor for any type of recipe. Kombu (dried kelp) helps reduce beans’ gas-producing properties.
2 cups dried beans, presoaked, if desired
½ onion, peeled, optional
2 cloves garlic, crushed, optional
1 bay leaf, optional
1 strip kombu, optional
Sprigs of fresh or dried herbs, optional
Place beans, optional aromatics, and 8 to 10 cups water in large pot or saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil 15 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer presoaked beans for 30 minutes; dried beans for 2 hours, or until beans are tender and creamy, adding more water if necessary. Remove aromatics before serving or using beans.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Per ½ cup
Calories: 124
Protein: 7 g
Total Fat: <1 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 2 mg
Fiber: 12 g
Sugar: 1 g
