BIG POT OF BEANS

Big Pot of Beans image

Chances are good you have some dried beans on hand, and that is a great thing. Especially since one basic recipe works for so many kinds, from red beans to white cannellini to black turtle beans. Choose whichever you like, but bear in mind: Sometimes, the best bean is the one already in your pantry.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories beans

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Previous Next

Ingredients

1 pound any dried beans
Salt
Olive oil, as needed
Aromatics, such as peeled garlic cloves, a halved onion or shallots, a celery stalk or a carrot
Dried or fresh herbs, such as thyme, sage, oregano or rosemary sprigs, or a bay leaf or two
A hunk of cured sausage, bacon, ham, smoked duck or pork or a Parmesan rind (optional)
Chopped fresh herbs or celery leaves, red-pepper flakes, sliced scallion or red onion, flaky sea salt, for serving (optional)

Steps:

Rinse the beans, then soak them in salted water (it should taste like the sea) for anywhere from 4 hours to 12 hours. If you don't have time, you can skip this step.
Drain beans and put them in a pot or electric pressure cooker. If cooking in a regular pot, add enough water to cover the beans by 2 to 3 inches. If using a pressure cooker, use less water, more like 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Add a drizzle of oil and whatever aromatics and herbs you like. Add enough salt to the cooking water to make it taste like the sea.
If using a regular pot, simmer the beans for anywhere to 30 minutes to 2 to 3 hours, depending on what variety you used, how old they were and whether or not you soaked them. Check on them periodically, adding more water if the level gets too low (as in, lower than the beans). For the pressure cooker, the timing is anywhere from 5 minutes at high pressure to 50 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
Garnish with fresh herbs or celery leaves, sliced onion, if you like, a drizzle of oil, and a sprinkle of red-pepper flakes and sea salt.

*** Explore more Big Pot Of Beans Recipes »

Comment
Leave a comment

Hunter Alesi

[email protected]

I love that this recipe can be made in a slow cooker. It's so easy and convenient.

Ewatomi John

[email protected]

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

Johnny Valley

[email protected]

I'm not a vegetarian, but I love this recipe. It's a great way to get a healthy dose of protein.

Basharath Bhai

[email protected]

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. I make a big batch on the weekend and then eat it throughout the week.

Secret Account3

[email protected]

I like to add a bit of spice to my beans. I usually add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper.

hbe256 ug

[email protected]

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham or bacon.

Zubair Tanoli

[email protected]

I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's easy to make and the results are always delicious.

KINGROZA Gaming

[email protected]

I'm on a tight budget, so this recipe is perfect for me. It's affordable and delicious.

Zikera Williams

[email protected]

This recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat their beans. My kids love the flavorful sauce.

Ragoan Moll

[email protected]

I'm always looking for new and exciting bean recipes. This one definitely fits the bill!

Lindsey Nettles

[email protected]

I love that this recipe is so versatile. You can add or remove ingredients to suit your taste.

Daniel Ferguson

[email protected]

This recipe is perfect for a potluck or party. It's easy to make and can be served hot or cold.

Ayeza Rajpoot

[email protected]

I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends. It's a great way to use up leftover beans.

Ashley Alcorn

[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of beans, but I loved this recipe! The beans were so flavorful and the sauce was perfect.

Moheez Ahmad

[email protected]

This recipe is a lifesaver! I'm always short on time, and this recipe allows me to have a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.