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Preparing Dried Beans

Because of the toxins in any dried beans it is essential that they are boiled for at least 10 minutes during cooking. There are two ways to soak the dried beans - either overnight or by soaking for 1-2 hours and then cooking in the pressure cooker

Method 1: If soaking overnight. Place the beans in a large casserole dish, pour over enough cold water to cover by a good 2-3" (5-7 cm), place on lid and leave overnight. Drain and rinse, then either: a. Place in pressure cooker, bring to the boil and skim off any white sediment, close and cook for 3* minutes. Let the pressure cooker return to room temperature by itself before opening. Drain again and use as in recipe. or b. Place in pan and boil until cooked, skimming off any white sediment. Keep checking after 15 minutes, beans will vary in the length of time they need for cooking. Drain when cooked and used as in recipe.

Method 2: With this method because they are being soaked for only 1-2 hours you must use the pressure cooker to cook them. If you forget to leave them overnight or you just decide to cook them that day, place beans in a large casserole, cover with boiling water, again to between 2-3" (5-7 cm), pop in a sugar cube and leave for 1-2 hours. (The sugar cube helps the beans to absorb the water more quickly!). Drain and rinse, then place in pressure cooker, bring to boil and skim off any white sediment, close and cook for 3* minutes. Let the pressure cooker return to room temperature by itself, before opening. Drain again and use as in recipe. * Depending on the beans, they could take 3-5 minutes in the pressure cooker. They need to be firm not too soft.