Took me over an hour to find a cheap way to cook dried beans without a pressure cooker

I spent 45 minutes just soaking pinto beans and then another 2 hours simmering them on the stove because I didn't realize the old 'add baking soda' trick actually speeds things up - has anyone else tried that shortcut and had it work?

2 comments

2 Comments

max8089d ago

Hold up, the baking soda trick does work but you gotta be careful not to use too much. Just a tiny pinch is all it takes, like half a teaspoon for a whole pot of beans. If you overdo it they come out mushy and can even get a weird soapy taste. Soaking them overnight in salt water is actually a better shortcut in my experience, it softens the skins without messing with the texture. That way you skip the long simmer but keep the beans intact.

kellymurphy9d ago

Half a teaspoon? That's way too much, I'd be scared to try that much.