Beans are a great addition to any meal. They are a great source of protein and fiber. In addition, beans are very versatile; they can be prepared as side dishes, main dishes and even desserts!
Are canned beans healthy?
Although canned beans are an easy choice when preparing something quick, they are loaded with sodium and they can lack flavor. Instead, you can prepare your own homemade beans, freeze them and use them as you need.
Pricewise…
A can of beans cost about the same price as one bag of dry beans. The difference? Once you cook the dry beans you will get about four to five cans of beans for the price of one.
How can I prepare my own beans?
First you need two ingredients, Beans and water. That’s it!
You can use any variety. Pinto beans, Black beans or Red beans.
Sort through the beans, make sure you discard any foreign particle, or any bean that is shriveled or discolored.
Rinse the beans with water.
Put the beans in a saucepan and cover with abundant water. Bring them to a boil.
Let them cook on medium-high heat for about 1 hour or until tender. Make sure you check the water throughout the process of cooking and add more if running low.
Let them cool completely before placing in individuals containers.
Place the beans in individual containers and cover airtight. You should get four to five cups of cooked beans.
Cover and freeze the beans for up to 2 to 3 months
Now, you can make your favorite dish!
How do you prepare your beans?
Love,
Johanny
Wow, we make our beans completely different! I will try your way. I love to make fresh beans exactly for the reason of sodium. Yuck! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Family recipe Lisa. Simple 😉
What?! That was easier than I thought it’d be! And I never thought to freeze them… Hm, thanks!
Ashlyn my aunt tough me that 😉
Now why have I never done that! How much liquid do you keep in the container when you freeze them? I eat a lot of black beans and this makes so much sense!
Cynthia enough to cover the beans, and remember is the same liquid where the beans where boiled.
Great top to prep ahead and freeze! We are big bean eaters in my home so freezing them will be great when I’m short on time. I usually cook my beans in the crockpot. Just add a 1lb bag of beans plus 7 cups of water and cook on high for 4hrs or low for 6. Keeps me free to do other things and I never forget to add water (don’t need to) and burn the beans :). Thanks for the post!
Great “TIP” not top! Haha autocorrect!
That’s a great idea too! Thanks
I’ve cooked my own beans before, but, never thought to freeze them. Great idea, thanks for sharing!!
Oh wow, this sounds so super simple – I thought it would be much more difficult. I wonder though, you don’t add any kind of salt or spices to your beans? 🙂
yes I do, after I cooked them. this is just basic. Think about when you buy a can of beans and prepare it the way you want to.