Dried black eyed beans, also known as black eyed peas, are a nutritious and versatile legume loved in many cuisines around the world. Cooking them from scratch might seem a bit intimidating at first, but with the right approach, you can easily prepare perfectly tender and flavorful beans that will elevate your meals. Here’s your friendly, easy-to-follow guide on how to cook dried black eyed beans.
Why Cook Dried Black Eyed Beans?
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s quickly explore why cooking dried beans is a great choice:
– Cost-effective: Dried beans are much cheaper than canned ones and have a long shelf life, making them budget-friendly and convenient for meal planning.
– Control over flavor: Cooking from dried allows you to season the beans just the way you like, without preservatives or excess salt.
– Nutritional benefits: Black eyed beans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
What You’ll Need
– 1 cup dried black eyed beans
– Water (for soaking and cooking)
– Optional aromatics: bay leaf, garlic, onion
– Salt (added after cooking)
– A large bowl, pot or saucepan, and a colander
Step 1: Rinse and Sort Your Beans
Start by placing your dried black eyed beans in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This removes any dust or debris. Then, spread them out on a clean surface and pick through to remove any small stones, broken beans, or impurities.
Step 2: Soak the Beans
Soaking helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time. It also helps break down some of the complex sugars that can cause digestive discomfort.
– Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl.
– Cover with at least 2 inches of boiling water.
– Let them soak for about 15 minutes if you’re short on time, or for 6-8 hours (or overnight) for best results.
– After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again.
Step 3: Cook the Beans on the Stovetop
Now, it’s time to cook your beans.
– Transfer the soaked beans to a large pot.
– Add fresh water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
– Toss in optional aromatics like a bay leaf, garlic cloves, or chopped onion to infuse flavor.
– Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
– Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer uncovered.
– Cook for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
– Check for doneness by squishing a bean between your fingers-it should be tender but still hold its shape.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
If you’re short on time, an Instant Pot is a great option.
– Rinse and soak the beans (optional but recommended).
– Place beans, water (about 4 cups per cup of beans), and aromatics in the Instant Pot.
– Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for about 25 minutes.
– Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before opening.
– Check for tenderness and adjust seasoning.
Step 4: Season and Use
Once cooked, drain the beans and season with salt to taste. You can also add other seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or fresh herbs depending on your recipe.
Use your cooked black eyed beans in salads, soups, stews, or mash them for refried beans. The cooking liquid can be reserved to add flavor to rice or soups.
Tips for Perfect Black Eyed Beans
– Don’t add salt while cooking: Salt can toughen the beans if added too early. Add it after the beans are tender.
– Add acidity after cooking: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice brightens the flavor and can help reduce gas.
– Keep an eye on water level: Beans need to stay submerged, so add hot water as needed during cooking.
– Flavor boosters: Aromatics like bay leaves, garlic, and onions make a big difference.
– Use broth instead of water: For richer flavor, cook beans in chicken or vegetable broth.
Cooking dried black eyed beans is simple, economical, and rewarding. With just a bit of planning, you’ll have a pantry staple ready to enhance countless dishes with its nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!