What happens if you don't soak dried beans overnight?

Question

I know you are supposed to, but what if you only have a couple of hours? Is it just a bad idea?

Answer 1

Like my dear old Irish grandmother always told me you had to soak beans overnight in groups of 239 beans for best results. I asked her why and she said " I ya put just one more in they will be too farty" Get it 240, too farty. Sorry couldn't resist.

Answer 2

You don't have to soak the beans over night. Boil water. When it comes to a rolling boil add the beans and let it boil for 2 minutes. Turn off burner and cover. Let beans sit for about 1-2 hours. Then you can cook them as usual. If you have a pressure cooker your beans can be done in an hour. Also , in a pinch you can always buy canned pinto beans etc...There isn't much difference in the dish.

Answer 3

Sugar Pie has the right idea.

It does remove the gases when you soak them overnight. Cooking them straight from the dried state doesn't release the natural gases beans have - that's where beans get their reputation for having alot of gas.

There are ways around soaking overnight, but the best way to prepare dried beans is to give them time to soak (overnight.) I know there are plenty of you who'll disagree, but this has been my experience.

Answer 4

I cook pinto beans straight from the bag to the table in about 3-4 hours. I use seasoning salt, and butter. Check your water level every 1/2 hour to make sure water is about 1-2 inches above the beans that aren't floating. Pre-soaking doesn't work for me, not sure why, it still seems to take another 3 hours minimum to get them the way I want, so I just don't presoak :)

Answer 5

I prefer not soaking beans before cooking. Soaking them does speed up the cooking process but also removes much of the starch that makes a nice thick gravy like liquid with the beans.

Answer 6

Speed'em up. Put them in a pot, bring to a boil. Turn off the heat let them sit for an hour with a lid on the pot. Change the water and cook them as you would if you had soaked them over night. TIP adding salt to the water makes the beans take longer to cook, Salt them when they are done.

Answer 7

They take longer to cook. But if you have a pressure cooker, it's no biggie. Soaking them (and pouring off that water) also removes much of the gassiness of dry beans.

Answer 8

Nothing...but if you live at a high alittude as I do...Put a little baking powder in them so they will soften up...otherwise they sometimes will stay hard no matter how long they cook....I never soak my beans...

Answer 9

I agree with DANIEL H but boil for 2 mins remove from heat and cover. Let stand for 1 hour but you don't have to drain them. The water will contain more nutrients.

Answer 10

i never soak my beans i cook them over about 4 hrs on low temp