If you cook beans in a slow cooker do you have to soak them overnight?

Answer 1

Yes, I generally do so you know the crock pot won't dry out since the beans have been rehydrated.

Dry beans will soak up a lot of the cooking liquid... Knowing how much can be a tricky thing so soaking eliminates that variability.

Answer 2

I don't, and they usually turn out fine. I put them on all day - 10 hours at low heat. There have been times I've had to bump them up to high heat for the last hour before we eat to finish them off. I haven't had that problem, though, since I stopped adding salt to the beans at the beginning of cooking. It will keep them from getting soft if added before they are cooked.

Also, they are more likely to cause indigestion problems if not soaked over night, or if not let rest overnight after cooking when not soaked.

Answer 3

I do. It makes them more tender, I think. And also, if you pour off the soaking water and put in fresh, it is supposed to take some of the gas out. I don't thing you have to, I just think it's a good idea.

Don't forget *not* to salt them until they are almost done.

Answer 4

Unless you want to boil them according to the directions on the package. You really need to do one or the other or it takes too long for them to cook.

Answer 5

You should soak them overnight, no matter which way you cook them. They will be much more tender & flavorful.......

Answer 6

Yes, or they will take forever (and that's a mighty long time) Good luck :o)

Answer 7

yes, I do...for the simple reason that it affects the texture if you don't, I just find they go sort of funny otherwise....