Beans: A question from The Kitchen Idiot

[SirenSongWoman]

Okay, I'm trying to integrate a lot more vegetables into my diet, including beans. Thus far, I've only tried the frozen one's but they're pricey when not on sale and they usually have salt in them. So I was wondering... can you cook up a pan of, say, kidney beans, then freeze the whole bunch, divying out small portions for quick microwaving whenever you need them? It has to be cheaper and give me a lot more options but I don't know if I'll wind up with mush or a tasty, nutrient-rich product. This whole cooking thing is new to me so please forgive my ignorance.

Thanks.

 

[maddiesmum]

The possibility of getting serious gut illness from unthoroughly cooked beans is high. I have experienced it. Never again.

I'm a vegetarian but I cannot be bothered to soak and then cook beans for several hours in order to prevent this. Do you not think canned kidney beans are within your budget? Around $0.70 for a can (and if you buy in bulk during discounts, even better), this forms the staple for a meal, making the whole thing not just nutritious but a bargain. One can at a time...couldn't be simpler...

Clare

Clare

 

[janiejoey]

Stacey,

I cook beans and freeze them all the time. There is no difference in texture or taste. Also you can put a little garlic, some onions and lemon or lime in it, mash it up and you have the greatest dip for your vegies.

You can cook them in a pan, or a pressure cooker which takes much less time to cook.

Enjoy,

Janie

 

[Havingfun]

cooking beans

Hi,

I cook beans in my crock pot at least once a week and I've been doing that for year. I have never had any problems. I don't however like them frozen, but I guess that's just personal preference.

Tracy

 

[deanie]

I cook beans alll the time in my crock pot (love the crock pot). Then I put them in one serving containers and freeze them. That way I just pull them out of the freezer, defrost and they are ready to eat! Very easy, and dried beans are pretty cheap- something like one dollar for one pound.

 

[Peaceful Rainbow]

Definitely cook and freeze them. I always do mine the faster way and just bring them to a boil and then let them sit for an hour and soak and then cook until tender. Definitely the cheaper way to go.

 

[My2girls]

I used to freeze mine all the time too. The last time I did a batch of beans, I canned them! It is so great to go to my pantry and pull out a jar of my own beans But I don't mind freezing them either, just takes a little longer to thaw or cook again.

Good Luck!

 

[SirenSongWoman]

Thank you all for your replies. Now I feel like even I can (at least) do this. It definitely opens up my options.

Thanks, again.

 

[goldenpath]

What a great idea – to freeze beans. Sometimes I decide the last minute what I am going to cook for supper and if it includes beans – forget it – because it just takes too long. I always have to prepare them in advance. I am going to try and freeze them and see how they turn out.


I don’t know why I never thought of that.

 

[kathryn]

To reduce sodium, always rinse canned beans.
You can also get low-sodium or no-salt-added beans.

Yes, you can cook and freeze beans. Make sure to soak larger beans (make it faster by soaking in hot water, then RINSE THE WATER and cook in fresh water--a piece of kombu, a seaweed, helps soften the beans as well).

Some legumes cook in a short period without soaking: lentils, yellow or green split peas, mung beans.

 

[Stephanie0523]

I cooked some really yummy greenbeans the other night. I bought the ones in the produce department that are fresh in a bag that can be steamed in the microwave. I steamed them and then I sweated a shallot in a little olive oil in a skillet and added the green beans to the shallots and tossed in some toasted almond slivers. YUMMY!

Also, I buy canned chick peas (garbonzo beans) and rinse them and add them to salads. You also can rinse them, pat them dry with a paper towel and sprinkle your favorite seasonings on them and roast them in the oven or in a skillet until they are crunchy for snacks (I've not done this, but I've seen Rachel Ray do it and they look yummy).