When it comes to stocking up your pantry with nutritious, versatile ingredients, dried beans are an unsung hero. With an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, it could not be more simple to cooking dry beans in bulk.
Tip: Go for the 6qt Instant Pot higher so you have enough volume for bulk recipes and reduce the risk of burning the food. Especially when cooking beans in bulk.
The benefits of dried beans extend far beyond just saving money. If you’re looking to stretch your food budget while still enjoying hearty, flavorful meals, here’s why dried beans should be your go-to choice.
Table of Contents
- The Cost-Effective Choice
- Cooking in Bulk
- Versatility and Nutrition
- Reducing Waste
- Simple Preparation Tips
- In Closing
The Cost-Effective Choice
One of the most compelling reasons to opt for dried beans is their cost-effectiveness. On average, dried beans are significantly cheaper than canned beans. While the exact savings can vary based on location and brand, you might find that a pound of dried beans costs a fraction of what you’d pay for the same amount of canned beans. For frugal cooks, this is a big win.
For example, a 32-ounce package of dried black beans from my local Walmart costs $2.88, while the average 6-ounce name brand can of black beans could be priced at $1.42 or more. That savings adds up quickly, especially if you cook beans frequently or buy in bulk.
($0.09 cents versus $0.24 cents per pound) Almost $5 savings making this one change.
Cooking in Bulk
Another advantage of dried beans is the ability to cook them in bulk. Preparing a large batch of beans at once not only saves time but also reduces the need for frequent grocery trips. Here’s a simple approach to cooking beans in bulk:
- Soak and Prep: Start by soaking the dried beans overnight or use the quick soak method by boiling them for a few minutes and letting them sit for an hour. This helps to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. (Tip: with an Instant Pot, I hardly ever pre-soak my beans. I only tend to pre-soak if the beans were long lost in my cupboard for a while)
- Cook: Drain the beans and cook them in a large pot with water or broth and seasonings. The cooking time will depend on the type of bean, but most beans take about 1-2 hours to become tender.
- Cool and Store: Once cooked, allow the beans to cool before portioning them into freezer-safe containers. Store the beans in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. This way, you can pull out a portion whenever needed, making meal prep a breeze.
Versatility and Nutrition
Dried beans offer incredible versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re making soups, stews, salads, or even veggie burgers, beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They’re also highly adaptable, absorbing the flavors of the dishes they’re cooked with, making them a fantastic addition to a wide range of recipes.
Reducing Waste
By cooking dried beans, you also contribute to reducing waste. Canned beans come with packaging that often ends up in the trash. With dried beans, you’re typically dealing with less packaging, and any beans that you don’t use right away can be stored for months or even years.
Simple Preparation Tips
To make the process even easier, consider investing in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. These appliances can simplify the cooking process and allow you to set it and forget it. For example, you can place dried beans in the slow cooker with some water and seasoning, and let them cook while you go about your day.
Here is my FAVORITE bean recipe: Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice by Simple Veganista
In Closing
Switching to dried beans is not just a money-saving move but also a step towards a more sustainable and nutritious kitchen. With their lower cost, bulk cooking potential, and versatility, dried beans are an excellent investment for any home cook. So next time you’re at the store, consider reaching for a bag of dried beans and enjoy the benefits of this pantry powerhouse!
Happy cooking, and here’s to delicious and budget-friendly meals!
Image by Beans_4419 on Flickr.