Rinse beans well and place in enough water to cover generously. Remember that beans will double in bulk after several hours of soaking.

1. Look for shriveled or damaged beans; remove any that float.
2. Soak beans for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
3. Drain beans and refill pan with enough water to cover. Place pan over medium heat and cover. When it boils reduce heat to low and cook according to the table below.

Beans and Legumes Cooking Time Chart : Type of Dried Beans - Bean Soaking (Cooking Time in hrs.)

• Black beans - Overnight or quick soak (1 ½)
• Chick-peas - Overnight or quick soak (3)
• Kidney beans - Overnight or quick soak 1 ½
• Lentils - None (45 minutes)
• Lima beans - Overnight or quick soak (1 ½)
• Navy beans - None (1 ½)
• Soybeans - Overnight or quick soak (3 or more)
• Split peas - Overnight or quick soak (1 hour)

Beans are an excellent canned product. When time doesn't allow for starting with dried beans, substituting canned beans can be a real help. It is often a good idea to drain and rinse the beans since the packing liquid can sometimes be cloudy or add more liquid than you want in the dish.