How to Soak Beans Overnight – The Smart Way
Learn how to soak dried beans overnight to improve flavor, reduce cooking time, and aid digestion. This easy, step-by-step soaking method works for kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, and more—perfect for hearty meals, soups, or chili.
Materials
- 1 Cup Dried Beans (kidney, black, pinto, etc.)
- 3 Cups Filtered Water
- Pinch of Salt (Optional)
Instructions
- Sort and Rinse: Sort through beans to remove debris, broken beans, or stones. Rinse thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
- Measure Water: Add 3 cups of filtered water per 1 cup of beans in a large bowl or container. Make sure water covers the beans by 1–2 inches.
- Add Salt (Optional): Add a small pinch of salt to help soften the beans and enhance flavor.
- Soak: Cover the container and let the beans soak for 8–12 hours at room temperature (if below 70°F / 21°C) or refrigerate in warmer climates.
- Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the soaking water and rinse the beans with fresh water. They’re now ready to cook.