Why I switched to dried beans and never looked back! 😮

Cooking beans from scratch vs. buying canned can save money... but how much? And is it any healthier to cook your own? Let's find out! Today I'm sharing why I switched to dried beans instead of canned, how to cook them on the stove or in a pressure cooker and how to store them so that you always have the perfect quantity ready to use. Enjoy!
🤩 What to watch next!
BUDGET Meal Prep for Less than $5/day: • Genius Hack to Eat Hea...
12 BEST Instant Pot Hacks: • What I WISH I Knew at ...
✨ My favorite kitchen tools:
Kombu seaweed (to help digestibility of beans) amzn.to/3K6RPhz
Silicone stretch lids (reusable covers for bowls, instant pot, etc.) amzn.to/3MfuVXM
Glass storage containers (I use the Ikea brand but these are similar) amzn.to/3MkVol0
6-quart Instant Pot: amzn.to/3dkbs9v
Instant Pot sealing rings: amzn.to/3eyauXz
🔺 Join the waitlist for the next Let's Eat Plants Meal Prep Course! bit.ly/LEPmealprepcourse
If you'd like more info about Meal Prep or if you'd like to support the channel:
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🌱 Channel memberships: kzbin.info...
🌱 Buy me a can of chickpeas: www.buymeacoffee.com/letseatp...
✨ More info & bean cook times
Why use kombu when cooking beans: www.washingtonpost.com/lifest...
Stovetop cooking method: food.unl.edu/article/how-cook...
Instant Pot cooking timetable for dried beans: instantpot.com/instantpot-coo...
Beans I cooked in this video in the Instant Pot:
Black beans: Use 1:3 bean to water ratio (i.e. 1.5 cups beans + 4.5 cup water) and cook on high pressure for 25 mins.
Chickpeas: Use 1:3 bean to water ratio (i.e. 1.5 cups beans + 4.5 cup water) and cook on high pressure for 60 mins.
Lentils: Use 1:3 bean to water ratio (i.e. 1.5 cups beans + 4.5 cup water) and cook on high pressure for 6 mins.
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[@JohnGiasi]

I just realized that the savings in buying that one bag of black beans *would pay for TWO instant pots*! Your video shows how clear, simple, correct and easy this is; *especially* with your timing charts (for all sorts of beans/grains) from the plants prep cooking course! 😀 Plus the scratch cook means you control not both the sodium, and the "saltiness" which can effect a whole dish. There is so much sodium variation in "plain" (never mind the "no sodium ADDED" misleading label) some canned beans go from the tiny 35mg/can to almost 1800mg/can for the "same beans." WIth basic beans, it makes tacking nutrients easier in chronometer et al. 1. MONEY SAVINGS 2. FRESHER FLAVOR 3. CONTROL TEXTURE - (soft for hummus, firm for salads).

[@LetsEatPlants]

Perfectly said and so true!!! Thank you for this comment John. 🤗🙌🏻🙌🏻 I never even paid much attention to how much sodium is in canned beans but WOW! So helpful, thank you. And I love that you showed you can buy 2 instant pots with the black bean savings. 🤩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@y3rbat3ra]

The S&W branded beans here on the west coast actually have sugar processed into them which cannot be rinsed off. So gross! Instant pot, FTW!

[@sarahjackson9468]

I have an instant pot and mostly use dried, but here in the UK a can of beans is 30-50p and I've never had one before that had salt or anything else added 😅

[@LetsEatPlants]

@@sarahjackson9468 Oh interesting! Love hearing how it is for other countries. 😃

[@JohnGiasi]

@@sarahjackson9468 That would be amazing; it seems everything in the states has a lot of salt added by default! Here around Boston, MA: Store-brand cans are 439g/15.5oz of cooked beans ~3.5 - 1/2 cup servings - priced between 0.75-1.00 for "regular" with 350-410mg sodium per serving. The "organic" house brands are about 1.19-1.49 and 120-140mg/serving, there are a few "Low sodium" that sneak in for the same prices and similar 130mg. But the true "no salt added" are 1.29-1.99 and 0-25mg/serving! 1lb bags of dry beans (4 cans worth) are between 1.50-2.99 and have 0-25mgs/serving of beans. Count yourself lucky to not have to pay extra for healthier cans!

[@jornalistarenatarosa4205]

I I'm from Brazil and we eat beans everyday, and it's always dry not canned. And you did it just right. We soaked it overnight and cook it in a pressure pot for about 40 minutes with a bay leaf. After that we can fry onions, sausage in slices and garlic in a pan. After that, we put this delicious into the big pot, salt and pepper. To make it creamier, we smash some cooked beans and cook all together for another 30 min and it's done! We usually make beans for all week and freeze in portions of 250g.

[@LetsEatPlants]

That sounds great! I would definitely do the fried onions & garlic… yum!! 😋😋

[@viniciusbrito7512]

É isso! =P

[@fainafaina1940]

We also love eating beans in Russia. You can also add crushed walnuts into the bean mixture, it tastes super delicious!

[@LetsEatPlants]

@@fainafaina1940 Oooh yummy! I love this idea. 🤩🤩

[@viniciusdantas3577]

The difference is that, typically, we keep the aquafaba and eat it all together. No draining involved

[@hmuhl]

Hi. Even when cooking with instant cooker (or pressure cooker) it's recommended to presoak the beans and discard the water to reduce the ammount of phytates and tannis, antinutritional compounds present in the beans. This will make digestion better, help absortion of nutrients and diminish gasses.

[@7Mango033]

Agreed, I would still pre-soak them for that reason. Maybe not a huge deal, but still interesting to know:)

[@totoroben]

Here's another cool thing about dry beans: if you like falafel, it is made of soaked chickpeas, not cooked. After eight hour soak, you simply food process and fry up

[@LetsEatPlants]

🙌🏻🙌🏻 Yess! Love falafel!

[@lorilaroo9936]

The instant pot was a game changer for me when it came to cooking dry beans. It's now my preferred way to cook beans, and they taste so much better than canned.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Right!? Soo much easier, and definitely tastier too! 😃😃

[@GenericAccountVLR]

So so so so so so TRUE!!! ❤

[@GenericAccountVLR]

And dried beans take up WAY less packaging and way less space on pantry shelves. ❤

[@LetsEatPlants]

@@GenericAccountVLR Yes! 🤩🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@pestanah]

Instant pot is one of my best investments ever.

[@phoebegraveyard7225]

If you are in a hurry, you can also soak your frozen beans in a bowl of warm water for ten minutes for an instant an almost defrost. Great video.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Thank you, that's a great tip! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@judyj2551]

And the bonus, they taste so much better ! Chickpea broth (aquafaba) is delicious , and rice cooked in black bean broth is the best.

[@LetsEatPlants]

So true! I’ve gotta try the rice cooked in black bean broth. 😍

[@panda55c]

Been cooking dried beans for more than 7 years now. Used to buy 4 lb bags of beans at superstore, but since Covid I switched to order larger bags at Costco, way cheaper. Instant pots are my life savers (own 2/6L, 2/8L) … I prefer soaking the beans overnight to shorten the instant pot time, only 15-20 minutes max depending on the type of beans.

[@LetsEatPlants]

🙌🏻🙌🏻 Very nice!

[@chelleec23]

Even though I can get canned beans cheaper than 1.49 each, I know using dry will cost less. You've convinced me. I get my new instant pot tomorrow and will be batch cooking some beans!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Woohoo! Let me know if you have any questions along the way! 😀😀

[@alwayswfpb]

New to your channel...your enthusiasm is pretty contagious. This bean video is what grabbed my attention ...well, it was actually suggested to me. Glad I followed KZbin's suggestion. Your "no preachy" style for eating plants is so refreshing. I am definitely going to finally attempt cooking my own beans. YOU sold me!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww thank you so much! What a sweet comment. 🤗🤗🥹 So glad you’re sold to try them out… please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along the way!

[@kimberlymayo9951]

I prefer to pressure can into mason jars for shelf stable beans that are ready to go. Just rinse and check them, place in the jars, add water, then pressure can. After it is done and sealed, they can stay on the shelf way beyond the guaranteed 18 months. Just check the seal anytime you open a jar.

[@LetsEatPlants]

That’s a great idea! I’ve never canned before but I’m keen to try! Thanks for sharing. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@misspriss7786]

How do you account for the expansion? I'd like to try this

[@TracieL1234]

@@misspriss7786n a pint jar it is 1/2c beans and fill the jar with water to one inch headspace

[@kathy.7475]

Thank you for this. I prefer to can as well but wasn’t sure how to do it. I will give his a try.

[@franciscachesca]

This why I love this Channel so much: clear explanation, step by step and great tips.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww thank you Francisca! 🤗🤗

[@4007fairview]

Another benefit is that the home cooked beans, etc taste SO MUCH better than the canned! There's no comparison in flavor - for the win! Nice video!! Debbie in WA Ü

[@LetsEatPlants]

So true!! Love the flavor or home cooked. 🤩🤩

[@kelleyleblanc5025]

Yes. I can eat so many this way. Canned beans taste yuck lol

[@kimberlyann8960]

Don’t forget about the good old crock pot will also do the trick

[@LetsEatPlants]

Great point!! I’ve never used one but they look super easy to use!

[@pennynickels5216]

Under the Median did a vid recently on energy costs and I think the crockpot won!

[@Patswans938]

Sorry but this is a potentially dangerous comment. You should NEVER cook Kidney beans in a slow cooker or crock pot because they do not get hot enough to destroy the toxin that naturally occurs in Kidney beans. You can easily get very sick by eating Kidney beans from a slow cooker.

[@janalu4067]

True! But any pressure cooker will save you more on electricity than a crockpot. Cannot comment on gas economics.

[@ShawnCheriYoung]

Slow cook your beans on a wood stove in the winter time... Get yourself some canning jars, and can them when they are cooked... I do this with all my stews, soups, beans, etc. It doesn't take any more energy to cook a big batch as it does a small batch... When I make stews or soups etc. I cook 3 quarts at a time... when the batch is almost done I will bring the canner up to a boil... when the batch is done I will fill 2 one quart jars with the (beans,soup,stew,etc) and place them in the canner... what's left in the pot is lunch, or dinner (there's only two of us eating; one pint is a healthy serving size)... So now you have dinner and two quarts of canned beans... In the winter, when I have the wood stove running, I will have multiple pots of whatever I am canning; whether it be beans, lentils, stewed tomatoes, or whatever you want to preserve for eating throughout the year... For storing dried beans (I probably have almost 20 different kinds of beans- black eyed peas, red beans, white beans, black beans, navy beans, great northern, lima, peruano, kidney, too many to list... lentils, rice, barley, wheat berries, split peas, chick peas, etc)... Anyway; for storing the dried beans, and others listed above, I use clean, dry, canning jars with a jar vacuum sealer...the keep them in a cool dark place... they will last longer than if you leave them in the plastic, paper, or cardboard boxes that they come in... I also do this with my cream of wheat, 5-grain, oats, flour, etc... I have been buying everything in bulk for about 40 years... they used to come in 25 lbs bags or boxes, but since covid the prices have gone way up and the poundage has gone down... they are now in 20 lbs bags and boxes... I thought twice about telling people this, because now the prices are going to go up and the poundage is going to go down, and it will be harder to buy things in bulk...but the end is near and Jesus will be here soon, so I guess I don't mind sharing this information... Don't just prepare for you next few meals, prepare for the hard times that will soon be here...

[@Danielfenner]

This helps so much and I loved the cost analysis, thank you so much!

[@LetsEatPlants]

So glad to hear that! You’re very welcome. 🤗🤗

[@AmandaJYoungs]

I bought my IP specifically so I could switch to mostly using dried beans, and I am delighted with how many other things it does for me as well. Thanks, Maddie - another great video from you, so useful and as always, encouraging for those of us lacking confidence in the kitchen.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Totally agree and that's what happened with me as well. 😂😂 I thought I'd only be cooking beans but here I am making our weekly oatmeal, rice, quinoa, pasta, etc. in there. Love it!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@nikiloheit]

This was the video I needed. I was on the fence and now I’m all in. I didn’t realize it was so easy with my instant pot!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Wohoo! Glad to hear it! 😊🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@marypoe6709]

I love that you did the cost comparison at the end of your video!

[@LauraCastillejos]

Lots of great points! I also think beans made from scratch taste a lot better! Thanks for the video, Maddie! 💕

[@LetsEatPlants]

So true!! And thanks for your sweet comment as always Laura! 🤗💕

[@serenastorey3858]

Hi. Just found your channel and am really enjoying it! My family and I are dramatically overhauling our diet and you are giving me so many easy/ healthy ways to feed us. Thank you and looking forward to more inspiring videos! 😊

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww thank you, so glad you're here! 😊 If you ever have any questions or need any help, just let me know!

[@doveandolive1153]

Maddie this is an awesome video demonstrating how to cook and store dried beans, and compare the cost savings! Information was supper clear, great visuals and you have a infectious positive personality. This video popped up on my feed and I'm glad I took the time to check it out, just subscribed and look forward to checking out other videos. Best of luck to you and hope your channel continues to grow. I made the switch to dry beans a couple of years ago and also learnt to add Kombu, I'll never go back, also make batches and freeze - so convenient, tastier, healthier (no salt or preserves) and cost savings. Sometimes I'll 1 of the following or combination of bay leaf, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, carrot, celery, onion - It's whatever I have on hand of feel like or if that one sad carrot that has got to be used up 😉

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww thank you so much! So glad to have you here! Haha I love your idea to use up those random leftover veggies. And the herb combo sounds delish! 😋😋

[@mella8298]

Excellent video - so much information in a short period of time without all the fluff. I have subscribed. Thank you for this - I will be buying dried beans from now on rather than canned. 😊

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww thank you for the sweet comment! Glad you’re going to give dried beans a try. 😃

[@paullemay3218]

I have always used dried beans. And now that I have an instant pot cooking beans is so easy. 💚🌱🇨🇦

[@LetsEatPlants]

Right!? Love how easy the instant pot makes it. 😊😊

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Thanks for sharing this awesome video Maddie. After this I am going to start cooking beans & legumes from scratch. Love 🥰 the video and that cooking beans from scratch is saving money.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Wohoo! It’s a great way to save money. Please reach out if you have any trouble with it or have any questions! 😃🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@nancyherrmann2491]

My dogs were just a little bit overweight by 5:00 to 8 lb. I always hated just giving them bagged dried food even though it was of good quality not some cheap brand. I myself is plant-based so I decided I would start making homemade wet food for my dogs using lentils. I put a pound of lentils in my instant pot along with dehydrated rosemary which is beneficial for your dogs carrots broccoli and cook it for 9 minutes letting the instapot release by itself for about 30 minutes. I usually have to add a little bit more water even though I fill the pot up to the maximum fill line. I then take muffin tins and just fill the muffin tins with the mixture put it in the freezer and it creates these little lentil pucks. I put them in a bag freeze them and every morning I put them on a dedicated plate put them in my little toaster oven turn on the toaster part for maximum to defrost. After they're cooled and ready given about 10:15 minutes I add them to their bowl along with half of the dry food I give them. No problems with digestion they've lost their weight they are very healthy and active I have a 10-year-old pit that acts like 10 months old. I know what I'm giving them is good wholesome non-processed food from a can. They love it

[@LetsEatPlants]

Awww I love that!

[@honeybee3317]

I tried doing this with beans, and my dogs turned up their noses. However, having added curry to my own beans for dinner, suddenly, my beans were wanted. Lesson learnt to not give boring beans to my dogs. A dog's nose knows!

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Quick, efficient, and knowledgeable. I subscribed.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Happy to have you here! 😊😊

[@LizzieVioletsLair]

Since I bought my Instant Pot, maybe five years ago, I haven't bought canned beans. I also cook large batches, portion them out and freeze them. This way I can thaw and add to a recipe. I'm loving your channel. I'm on a weight loss journey and I get amazing inspiration from you. ❤ I'm also a Toronto girl!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Right!? Isn’t it the best!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 And thank you so much! So glad you’re here… and yay! We’re neighbors!

[@kathleenbutler9967]

Good video...because of you I got out my IP and am starting to like it actually....so thanks for all you do!!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww that’s great to hear, Kathleen! So glad you’re learning to enjoy it more! 😃😃

[@avdhutpawar1545]

As per ayurveda use little amount of asetafodia while cooking beans. It helps your stomach to digest beans more efficiently. It also helps to reduce gass, bloating, indigestion problems because of beans.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Thanks for the tip! I’ll look into asetafodia. 😊

[@pennynickels5216]

Great vid! I eat lots of beans and lentils many different ways. I volunteer at a food pantry and clients have come to appreciate the quantity of dry vs can, finally!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Thank you so much! That's great others are starting to realize. 🤩

[@laurasoftheart]

Thanks for this video! I never thought to use a piece of seaweed in the beans. I love using dry beans too!

[@LetsEatPlants]

You’re welcome! I actually originally got the idea from Eden organics… I saw they had kombu in their ingredient list for their canned beans so I looked into it and turns out it’s super beneficial! Enjoy. 🤗🤗

[@linedezainde]

Excellent video! I also love my Instant Pot for beans. I would add that soaking beans overnight also greatly increases the nutritional value of the beans and is worth the extra time.

[@LetsEatPlants]

So glad you enjoyed! And good point about soaking, thank you. 🤗🤗

[@purityandplants]

I’m convinced! I’ve been resisting buying an instant pot but now I’m seeing how much use I would get out of it. The only thing I would add to this excellent video is to be sure and sort the beans to remove any debris. ☺️

[@LetsEatPlants]

Wohoo! They’re honestly so helpful. I cook all my grains in there every week, rice comes out perfectly, quinoa, steel cut oats, etc. And pasta!! My new favorite thing to cook in the IP! No more babysitting the stove! You’re gonna love it and please reach out if you have any questions. 😊😊

[@LetsEatPlants]

And YES! Great tip to sort the beans and remove the debris first! Sometimes you need to look closely while rinsing. Thank you!

[@pentachronic]

Well worth the money!

[@SequoiaLynnSews]

I am a huge fan of dry beans too. I shared your video to my meal prep group and on my Facebook page. ❤

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww thank so much! 🤗🤗

[@jennymurphy7307]

Good tip love this 😍

[@LetsEatPlants]

So glad it was helpful! 😃

[@literaturtee]

Thank you for this wonderful video! You've convinced me to get an instant pot. As I eat beans every day, I expect to really save a lot of money once I've got used to plan a bit ahead. My freezer isn't as big but it should still be possible. Greetings from German! ❤

[@LetsEatPlants]

Oh you will love the instant pot then! I also keep beans in my fridge too of course…. 😅😅 I make a big batch and they last 5-7 days in the fridge. So you can split some of them into the fridge & some into freezer. Enjoy! 🤗

[@lynby2108]

Oh wow I’m definitely buying dried beans from now on. Subscribed.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Woohoo! Enjoy and feel free to reach out if you have any questions along the way. 😊

[@paullemay3218]

Lately I have been cooking black beans to make a black bean mousse. Super yummy.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Oh wow that sounds great! Is it a sweet or savory mousse?

[@pennynickels5216]

I whirl up black beans with caramelized onions! Absolutely AWESOME. It's a dip, dessert, spread or thin out for soup. Who knew?

[@paullemay3218]

@@pennynickels5216 amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@arizonamom8773]

Love cooking my own beans and totally agree with you! I would store my beans in plastic bags because does not use as much space and can store more. I use double sandwich bags to get a cup and a half serving. Also i cooking my beans of choice add rice and seasoning and store again in sandwich bags for burritos or enchiladas. I make my own flour tortillas and freeze. Thanks for tips on things to try at trader joes going there tomorrow will definitely check out😊

[@LetsEatPlants]

Oh yes, plastic bags are great for space saving. Very cool that you’re going to Trader Joe’s! Hope you have a great trip there. 🤩🤩

[@karenmiller1105]

Such a helpful video. Thanks.

[@LetsEatPlants]

You’re welcome and so glad to hear it was helpful! 🤗🤗

[@vegan.enlightenment]

Great video, Maddie! Thank you! Love my beans ❤😊

[@LetsEatPlants]

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed. 🤗🤗

[@vegan.enlightenment]

@@LetsEatPlants always enjoy your content! 👍😊🌱

[@LetsEatPlants]

@@vegan.enlightenment Aww thank you so much!

[@Swanky95472]

I love my instant pot and cooking dried beans in it!

[@LetsEatPlants]

😊🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@jennyc4806]

Love your bean video. I was gifted an instapot but was wary of the pressure part so sent it back. Silly me! I soak the 15 bean "ham soup" beans (and throw away the spice pack). I add my own garlic, dried onion, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper....grind it in a blender to pan make batter consistency. Then add a tablespoon of oil, a tablespoon of gluten free panko breadcrumbs, a tablespoon of "just eggs" vegan egg equivalent, mince in fresh green onion and orange bell pepper....stir....either bake or microwave in a glass bowl. It comes out like a fluffy savory "quiche".

[@LetsEatPlants]

Thank you! Haha, i totally get that. I was really hesitant at first because there are warnings of course for safety about using it. It can be intimidating! Ah well. 😆 Your recipe for the quiche sounds delicious though! Thanks for sharing. 😍

[@moegirl76]

This is a great video! Helping give me the confidence to batch cook beans! 🎉 I also want to batch rice so I stop buying the steam bags.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Thank you and I’m glad to hear it! Yes, you can definitely batch cook rice & freeze it! Works great and good idea to replace the steam bags. 🤩🤩

[@MattbyNature]

I really like beans and I've been cooking them in a pressure cooker for years. Having them batch-cooked is the key for healthy and delicious quick weeknight dinners. I do the same with quinoa, rice etc.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Yes! Love batch prepped grains as well!

[@Cathy.C.]

I am by no means a vegan, but looking to eat healthier, so adding beans to our menu is something I'm looking at doing. I like the way you explain things in a simple, easy to understand way. I've never heard of adding seaweed (or combu?) to beans while cooking. I might have to research this to find out more. You really caught my attention when I realized you're in Canada. So refreshing to be able to buy the exact same ingredients. Thanks for a great video!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww what a sweet comment! So glad you're here and love that you are incorporating more beans. Yes, give kombu a try! I usually get it at my local Asian market as it's cheaper there than amazon. ca 😊😊

[@isanewday]

Very clever !

[@janellemartinez538]

Good video I noticed beans at our Costco have gone up in price but it’s still cheaper than canned.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Yes I noticed that too! 😢😢 I have a video from a year ago with the same Costco chickpeas and they were $6 last year (instead of $7) and I’m sure the black beans will have increased in price too when I buy them next. 🫠🫠

[@mamakins5123]

I think my IP is my most used small kitchen appliance. As I like to switch up beans I measure them into either a silicone muffin pan or in my Tupperware hamburger patty stackable set. Once they freeze I pop them into a ziplock bag with other frozen beans for a variety. As lentils don’t need to be pre-soaked and don’t take long to cook, I’ve never batch prepped them.

[@LetsEatPlants]

That’s a great idea!! I will definitely do them in pucks next time to add variety and since I have those silicone muffin cups too. Thank you!

[@rh7968]

Thanks for the tips

[@LetsEatPlants]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed! 😊😊

[@paulwood4142]

I purchased 10kg of Black turtle beans during the pandemic when supermarket shelves were empty. I've been using them ever since and here's my tip to speed up cooking time; add a teaspoon of baking soda or bicarb of soda to the pot, but check the beans regularly else they will turn to mush lol.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Great tip! Thank you. 😊🙏🏻

[@zone4garlicfarm]

Adding baking soda to the water is particularly helpful if you have hard water. I nevcer heard of using a teaspoon. 1/8 teaspoon is enough to be effective.

[@LeeAnnahsCreations]

Love your channel! If you shop around and find a local Health Food Store, sometimes they can get you bigger bags at a deeper discount. We buy the 25 pound bags and it's even cheaper!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Thank you LeeAnnah! That’s a great tip, I’ll keep an eye out. 🤩🤩

[@pennynickels5216]

I get mine in bulk at an ethnic market.

[@alisonhendry2928]

Wow that cost comparison has sold me too! My pal and I are splitting the big bag of Costco black beans. I enjoy the convenience of the can, but have a,ways been concerned about all that waste that goes into making them and then the trash that is created. Not only are IP beans tastier, they may help us reduce our environmental footprint. So I tell myself… going to try that kombucha trick and go buy more glass containers for storage so I always have beans on hand. Than’ you for this and thank you KZbin for this connection.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww that’s great to hear! I’m glad you’re going to give it a try. 🤩🤩 Excellent points about the environmental impact as well. 🤗

[@fernandajanicas5776]

I use dry legumes all my life, I was raised using them❤

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks so much!

[@LetsEatPlants]

You're welcome! 😊

[@heatherphelps3799]

Great video! Thank you 🙏

[@LetsEatPlants]

You’re welcome, so glad you enjoyed!

[@bettymaugeri7316]

Love the idea of buying in bulk - unfortunately I have a storage problem - maybe one day. In the meantime I cook for one so it really is not too expensive.

[@LetsEatPlants]

I hear ya! I am only cooking for 2, so usually I buy the smaller bags (between 3-5 lbs.), I think even the smallest bag of dried beans will be cheaper than canned! But of course it’s always up to personal preference. 😄😄

[@JazzedatHome]

Thanks, Maddie! I'm going to use this to make some refried black beans. If you want to try that, it's about 3 cups of cooked black beans, a medium onion (finely diced), a couple cloves of garlic (minced), 1 or 2 jalapeno peppers, depending on how hot you want it (seeds and membrane removed, diced), sea salt (to taste), a little black pepper, and enough water to cover everything, plus a few inches more. You simmer it all together until the vegetables are nice and soft, the beans have sort of burst open, and most of the water has evaporated. Then, if you have an immersion blender, you can use that to blend it into a nice silky consistency. Or let it cool and use a regular blender. Season to taste. I portion out my extra refried beans into single serving containers and stick them in the freezer. I grew up in California, too, and Mexican food was definitely a staple at our house, too. Blessings!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Awesome! I love refried beans and your recipe sounds delicious! I'll have to give it a try. Thanks! 😃

[@createwithconfidence8094]

I have been eating whole food plant exclusive since 2020. I have resisted getting a pressure cooker or IP. I have several useful appliances. Now I'm pulling out my rice and multi use cooker and manual and seeing if I could use it, hands off, to cook those dried black beans and chickpeas in my pantry. I'd love to reduce my already low grocery bill even lower.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Oh that’s a great idea! I’d love to know if it works to use the multi-cooker! Please share when you find out. 😃😃

[@kasondaleigh]

Thanks!

[@maureensamson4863]

Thanks for sharing ! An older fashioned pressure cooker could also be used . Soaking cuts down cooking time drastically ... factor in energy use too !😊😊

[@LetsEatPlants]

Yes! My mom used to use an old fashioned pressure cooker when she cooked beans. 😊😊

[@Maryaminx]

Thanks for the tips, especially the kombu. Going to try making dry beans more. Just need to have patience 😅

[@LetsEatPlants]

Yes, definitely! Patience is key. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@valesth4903]

I freeze beans in a single layer on a baking tray.once frozen i put them in a zip lock bag so they aren't in massive clumps, so you can take as many as you'd like and you save space in the freezer.

[@MichaelToub]

Great Video!!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Thank you, Michael! So glad you enjoyed. 😃

[@jakobjorgensen7773]

I fully agree to go with the dried version - always. For your savings calculations you should, however, factor in the cost in electricity to cook them and freeze them 😉 Looking forward to be following your channel 👍

[@LetsEatPlants]

You can definitely add those factors in! I didn’t because then I’d also need to add the water for cooking, or gas for driving to pick up canned beans a few times a month, water for rinsing out the cans, etc… it just gets a little tricky if you add every minor cost. 😆🙈

[@BettyHorn]

I love beans! Great video! I was wondering when someone was going to post something about the cost of dry versus canned beans. We just moved and you should see my house! We have food grade buckets we bought at Costco filled with our dry beans and we are currently using them as seating. Lol. I'll have to send you a picture when I get my house in order. Might take me the extent of the lease to get it done, though.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Oh wow! Haha that sounds like a great picture. 😆😆 I need to get some of those food grade buckets myself I think, now that i've been buying so many items in bulk. Bonus that they double as seating in a pinch! Hope that the move is going smoothly other than that. 💕

[@BettyHorn]

@@LetsEatPlants well we're in, but the decor at present is cardboard boxes! Lol!

[@LetsEatPlants]

@@BettyHorn Hahaha well at least you’re in! That’s great. 🤗

[@conniebarth9050]

Very smart! ❤❤

[@cefinau]

I got my 1.5 quart crockpot at Walmart for about $10, I just put about a cup of beans in there and enough water, and leave it overnight or during the day. It uses the same electricity as a lightbulb. Beans come out great, don’t need pre-soaking. My gripe is, the prices on beans are going up now that they are becoming popular. Also, beans last forever on the shelf, but they do become much tougher and take much longer to cook as they age

[@LetsEatPlants]

That’s awesome! Didn’t know crockpots could cook beans from scratch. 😃 And yes, definitely gotta check the age of the beans. I automatically cook an extra 5-10 minutes in the IP if they’re older.

[@severinfeichtner1930]

Something i learnt from my Great Grandma. Is to use a cooking box. It was more common here in Austria around quite some time ago. It was an isolated box in which you put your cookware to keep the food cooking without any electricity. I use some sort of a cookbox to this day. It's just a cardbordbox filled with packing peanuts and a blanket. As soon as my beans come to a boil i keep the heat on for 15 minutes. Then i turn off the gas. And wrap the blanket around the pot and bury that in the box filled with the packaging peanuts. The pot stays hot for hours. You need no additional heat. And after about 4 hours the beans are soft. That's a very economical way of cooking hard things like that. But you have to be careful, because stil after hours the whole contents of the box are scorching hot.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Wow that’s so interesting! Never heard of this style of cooking before. Thank you for sharing about that! 😃😃

[@eileendemmith550]

I've started cooking from dry but how do you store the bulk bag of beans? I hesitate buying more than 4#s at a time. Love your videos!!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Aww thank you! For the huge bag of black beans that I bought last year (22 lbs.), I actually still have it stored in its original bag! But I keep a smaller portion of beans in the kitchen for everyday use. I have large glass jars that I use for beans (similar to this amzn.to/3zqkg4S) and I refill them every month or so, as I run out. The original bag gets stored in my pantry and is only accessed when i need to refill the jars. I haven't had any problems storing them this way, but I have thought about getting something like these bins amzn.to/3Mgiw5Y in the future, as I do buy quite a few things in bulk (beans, rice, flour, etc.), so I may need to upgrade my storage system one of these days. 😅

[@tmgha6876]

I’ve been using dried beans and like the quick cook method as I don’t have an instapot. I like that I can season them but I admit that I miss the ease of just popping open a can.

[@LetsEatPlants]

I hear you! I feel like frozen is *almost* the same, but I still need to remember to thaw them! You could always keep 1 or 2 cans for backup. 😊😊

[@misspriss7786]

In September I buy 50 lbs of new crop pintos. It's beginning of April now and almost finished! I like new crop cuz for the first few weeks, they cook in an hour! The drier they get the longer they take.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Ooh yummy! Would love to try freshly harvested beans. 😊

[@brettleecubbage]

Omg. I just cooked my first batch of dried pinto beans for my first time. Taste amazing! Put them in my instant pot for 45 mins and they came out perfect!!!!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Awesome! Love hearing that!! 🤩🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@gabbysmom2411]

When freezing the beans, do you add water to the container first or is it just the beans? Great video!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Thank you! Usually I leave some of the cooking liquid (aquafaba) in there, but it’s not necessary. You can freeze them dry if you wish, it’s really personal preference. 😄😄 I think they’re slightly more “supple” if they’re stored in liquid, but it’s probably not even noticeable. 😆😆

[@stanblackburn700]

I love beans, and the savings are 🔥.

[@LetsEatPlants]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@chrishooge3442]

This is a great tip as canned goods...all of them...have gotten double digit percentages more expensive. I've always kept dry beans on hand but usually as emergency backups. We tend to use cans first and then restock...but they've gotten expensive enough to rethink our strategy.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Absolutely agree! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Glad you enjoyed.

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. I use unsalted, dried pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans to make homemade chili. In your video, you soak, cook, and freeze each bean separately. Am I likely to have any problems mixing my three dried beans and then soaking, cooking, and freezing them?

[@LetsEatPlants]

They only problem I foresee with that is that the cook times are different for the beans. But, if you cook them at the longest bean’s cook time, the others may be slightly over cooked, but it’s not really a problem, just personal preference! So if they doesn’t bother you, just soak them, cook them together for the longest of the 3 bean’s cook times, and you’re good to go!

[@angelac293]

Lol as a Mexican-American I was raised on beans. My mom never bought canned, she prepared them herself. The same w my grandma, they do t believe in canned beans.

[@katrinaroche1611]

For beans I want to use in salad or pasta , after soaking overnight I put in a steaming basket in the pressure cooker for 15-20 minutes. You get a dry fully cooked bean!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Oh wow that’s so cool! Never cooked them that way, I’ll have to give it a try. 🤩

[@NoSuffix]

Nice!

[@corruptduboiscountyindiana5058]

i had not et beans for nearly 20 years and just now ate black and pinto beans with white rice, black olives and chicken with taco sauce and coconut oil. Now need to wait and see how my belly deals with it. They were dry beans, soaked 24 hours.

[@cosudu3002]

You grew up in California but you must be living in Canada now? I'm glad I discovered your channel and I'm now a subscriber!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Haha yes! I moved to Toronto 5 years ago. 😅 (My husband is Canadian so we decided to settle in Canada. ☺️) Welcome and so glad you’re here!

[@indiea5588]

Hello ! Wanted to mention - check out if there is an Indian Grocery store in your area- you can get a variety of beans, lentils and chickpeas - in small and large quantities and prices are good as well ! Useful video -thank you ! Subscribed to your channel 😊.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Excellent suggestion!! There is one near me and it has such good prices. Thank you for the reminder. 🙏🏻 And welcome, glad to have you here! 😃

[@cockatooinsunglasses7492]

Season black beans with cumin and a bay leaf at the end! You will fall in love with taste on a corn tortilla!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Excellent suggestion! 🤩🤩

[@kmsand5905]

I pressure cook mine, and have done it for years.

[@tajr.2650]

Another KZbinr introduced me to Rancho Gordo heirloom bean company. Not cheap but BOY do they have some gorgeous beans to try!!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Omg I've been dying to try their beans!! They are SO gorgeous. 😍😍 Unfortunately it's not as convenient to get them here in Toronto, but I'm planning to order some next time I visit Cali! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@tajr.2650]

@@LetsEatPlants yes don’t forget when ur here in CA! 🤤 Thanks for the great content!

[@belangp]

Good stuff! Don't forget the benefits of less packaging waste. The impact of recycling one plastic bag is much less than that of recycling a bunch of metal cans :)

[@LetsEatPlants]

So true! Great points. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@wmf831]

Cool video, very informative! Even though it makes one wonder that not everybody seems to be aware of the fact, how much cheaper it is. Though I do understand the appeal of canned beans being very convenient and readily available. But of course one should be aware that this convenience comes with a price .... But now for something funny, a real head-scratcher ... "... One point eight "kay-gees ..." I wasn't looking up and thought, what is "kay-gees"? Turns out it's the simple kilograms (kgs) that pretty much the whole world (with very few exceptions) uses 😂 And because we are lazy, we just say "kilos" (kee-lows) Interesting channel. Thumbs up!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Hahahaha you’re funny point made me laugh out loud!!! You know, I think it’s because I’m from the US (where we don’t use kilos!!) and now I live in Canada where everything’s in grams. I never know the correct way to pronounce kilograms… so i just use the abbreviation. 😂😂 Thanks for the laugh! Glad you enjoyed the vid. 🤗

[@deborahtaylor7902]

hi...really enjoyed your video! question?- is it okay to store the beans in the freezer with zip loc bags or plastic containers? seems like it would save a lot of space- thanks!

[@LetsEatPlants]

So glad you enjoyed! Yes, absolutely. 😊😊 I personally am not a big fan of storing food plastic, but if it’s not a concern to you it’s a great way to save space! Silicone bags would work as well. 😍

[@Amelia-qm6bk]

I like to slow cook lentils in the IP so they dont come out mushy. I would still soak the beans before cooking in the IP . Thanks for the video.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Yummy! I’ll have to try slow cooking my lentils. How long do you set the IP for?

[@Amelia-qm6bk]

@@LetsEatPlants 90 minutes smiles . I usually add garlic, parsley, black pepper, and salt and a bit of tomato paste. Comes out so yummy.

[@LetsEatPlants]

@@Amelia-qm6bk Sounds delish! I'll give it a try. Thanks! ☺☺

[@isameerr]

Amazing

[@krisfahrt5665]

Thanks for this video, really interesting! I just bought an Instant Pot. Why is there no need to soak the beans? Aren't they cooked beans too? What is the difference? And I will try to find Kombu here...never heard of it in Germany.

[@LetsEatPlants]

You’re welcome! So with an instant pot, it is basically a pressure cooker and can cook them quickly without soaking. When cooking on the stovetop it would take too long, so that’s why they need to be soaked first. You’ll get the same result for either stovetop or instant pot, but stovetop takes longer so soaking helps speed it up. 😄😄 Some people still like to soak them and then cook them in the instant pot, and they cook even faster that way!!

[@judimac9943]

I don’t soak. Just start them in the crock pot overnight. I’m obsessed with black beans and their beautiful velvety liquor. I cook one pound, add 8 cups of water add salt (2 tsp) cumin and garlic powder (both tablespoons) and a capful of liquid smoke stir and cook on low for 8 hours. 😜

[@LetsEatPlants]

Oooh sounds yummy!! 😍😍

[@mysoulsjourney1883]

Not sure if I missed it but what is the best way to cook the beans in the instant pot if they are soaked? What amount of time?

[@LetsEatPlants]

It will depend on the kind of bean you are cooking. 😊 I usually follow this timetable: instantpot.com/instantpot-cooking-time/#tab-id-3

[@CharGC123]

Hey Maddie, thanks for doing the math! I knew cooking the beans myself was cheaper and healthier, but the actual savings are really impressive! It took getting gifted with an instant pot (which I didn't think I needed!) before I made batch cooking beans and whole grains a habit... you have no idea how many batches and pot bottoms I destroyed from cooking them on the stove! Even cooking them in the IP though, I still prefer soaking them overnight for a few reasons. One, for the beneficial changes that occur when the dried seed begins to germinate, and two, for leaching out the antinutrients in some beans and also the undigestible oligosaccharides (fart fuel ) Last but not least, I've had an issue a few times with uneven cooking without the soaking, where most of the beans are fine, but there are some annoying ones that refuse to hydrate and stay crunchy, yuk. Of course, soaking also shortens cooking time, but since I'm here most of the time, that's not really an issue for me. I love my IP mostly for the hands-off, no babysitting convenience, not to mention the savings!

[@LetsEatPlants]

Hey Char! Oooh those are some great points. I haven’t soaked beans in so long and have definitely gotten out of the habit of it, but I have heard it does improve them in many ways, so I might experiment with some batches and see how it goes. 🤩🤩 Thanks for the suggestion! Do you add anything to your soaking water?

[@alisonhendry2928]

I love all the info about soaking . Thanks.

[@soyboy2238]

There's a store close to me that sells overstock groceries. I was able to get black beans, garbanzos and lentils cheap. The best deal was split peas at 6 pounds for $1. I bought over 100 pounds at that price.

[@LetsEatPlants]

I remember you telling me about that deal when I did a video on beans around this time last year! I’m curious how much you’ve gone through. (Or how long it took you to use those up.) 😃😃 I’m still working on my 10kg black bean bag, but I’m down to probably the last kg, so getting close. It’s been a year since I bought it, so feeling pretty accomplished. 😅

[@soyboy2238]

I cook 4 cups dry (about 2 pounds) a week. I'm still going through them. I'm using the expired ones first, although the date doesn't concern me much. Although my focus is on dry beans, I also bought a bunch of canned beans at 4 cans for $1.

[@soyboy2238]

@@LetsEatPlants I have friends buying a cow from a rancher. When I heard the final price from the butcher would be $9 per pound, I thought about my no-waste, shelf-stable, easy storage, delicious, nutritious bean haul at less than 1/30th the price.

[@LetsEatPlants]

@@soyboy2238 Wow 2lbs. a week! That’s great! I agree about expired… usually just means I need to cook them longer. 😆😆 But good thinking to at least use them up first. And totally agree about the price compared to meat. Almost no comparison! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@pennynickels5216]

😊😊😊

[@jilldigwood4328]

Great video, I love my instant pot too, such a time saver. I have just found beluga lentils, have you ever cooked then in the IPot, if so how many minutes do you find works well? Xx

[@mamakins5123]

I love beluga and French lentils! I do mine in the IP. About 6 minutes.

[@jilldigwood4328]

@@mamakins5123 thanks so much, will give it a go 😊

[@LetsEatPlants]

The lentils in this video are beluga lentils! They’re my favorite. 🤩🤩 High pressure for 6 mins. is what I do as well.

[@jilldigwood4328]

@@LetsEatPlants thanks so much 😊

I"m so happy I discovered your channel. Long-term vegan here (about 12 years). I buy organic bean cans at No Frills for $2.99 a can, and you just inspired me to make the switch! I make a new batch of hummus every 3 days so... savings! Thank you Maddie! 💗💞🌸🙏

[@LetsEatPlants]

Happy you’re here as well! 😃😃 Yay! If you have any questions along the way, just let me know. I have been making big batches of hummus too and freezing those. Works well!!

@@LetsEatPlants Thank you so much! 💗💞

[@brendalong3852]

I used tosoak then cook beans. Now, for tastier beans, I clean, rinse and cover with plenty of water THEN I simmer for about 2-3 hours, depending on the bean, until they are soft. Love them. And I don't use an instant pot. Maybe I'll get one and try that.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Love it!! The instant pot definitely makes it faster & easier… but it’s really whatever works best for you! 😊

[@ProcrastinatorsAnon]

Looking forward to the aquafaba video! I was just thinking of it the other day when I saved my aquafaba and then did a failed experiment.

[@LetsEatPlants]

Yay! Haha yeah, I've had quite a few failed aquafaba experiments as well. 😆😆

[@karenayochim9137]

I love making french toast with the aquafaba! You just have to make sure the pan is oiled more than when you use an egg..just replace the egg with the aquafaba and you are good to go! Nice and crunchy.

[@ProcrastinatorsAnon]

@@karenayochim9137 Thanks for the recommendation!

[@LetsEatPlants]

@@karenayochim9137 Oh wow! Haven’t tried that one. Thank you for the suggestion. 🤩

[@brokenrecord3095]

The Instant Pot is great for cooking beans, but the old fashioned crock-pots work really well too.

[@LetsEatPlants]

That’s great! Didn’t know crock pots would work for beans, so love hearing that’s an extra option. Thanks! 😃😃

[@RebeccaOre]

@@LetsEatPlants Before I got a pressure cooker, I used a small crock pot and put them on to cook overnight. Works well. Lentils don't require as much cooking time. Red lentils and white rice cook well together in a rice cooker (same time for both) and green/brown lentils and brown rice also can be cooked in a rice cooker, just take more time.