All measurements are approximate. The exact amount of beans you receive from a can or a bag of dried beans depends on the size of bean. Large beans will be on the low side of these measurements while small beans will have a slightly higher yield.

1 cup dried beans = 2-3 cups cooked beans = 1 ½ 15.5 ounce cans

One 15.5 ounce can of beans = 1 ½ cups cooked = ¾-to-1 cup dried

1 lbs. of dried beans = 2-2 ½ cups dried = 4-5 cups cooked = 3-4 15.5 oz. cans

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HOW TO COOK DRIED BEANS

1. Pre-soak the dried beans (see our How to Soak Beans Guide for step-by-step instructions). After the beans have soaked for a sufficient amount of time, drain and discard the soaking water.
2. In a large pot, add enough fresh water to the pre-soaked beans so that the water level is a few inches above the beans. A general rule of thumb is 3 parts water for 1 part beans.
3. Bring the beans to a full boil, then turn down the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam on the water surface with a spoon.
4. Cover half of the pot with a lid, and let simmer for 1-1.5 hours. Check the water level occasionally to make sure there is still an adequate amount of cooking water. Add fresh water if the water level looks to low. If you think the beans are cooking too slowly, try adding a cup or two of water.
5. Turn off the heat when the beans are finished cooking. You may leave them in the cooking water until you are ready to use them. You can also refrigerate them for up to two days in their original cooking water (allow them to cool before placing in the refrigerator

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Adding onions, hot peppers, celery, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, olive oil, and herbs to the beans while they are cooking can greatly enhance their flavor. Try sauteing these things with a dash of oil in the pot before adding the water and pre-soaked beans.
• Do not add salt to the beans while they are cooking. Not only will this cause the salt flavor to concetrate and make the beans taste too salty, but it can make them tougher. Season with salt only after the beans have finished cooking.
• Cooking beans as slowly as possible produces a richer flavor and better texture.

Find more bean recipes here: The Complete List of Bean Recipes by BeansBeansBeans

HOW TO SOAK DRIED BEANS

There are two ways to soak dried beans: the quick-soak method and the overnight soak.  Step-by-step instructions are listed in detail below.  See the FAQ at the end for any further questions.

The Quick-Soak Method

1. Measure out the amount of dried beans that the recipe calls for and place them in a colander.  Carefully inspect the beans and remove any small stones, debris, and questionable-looking beans.
2. Rinse the beans in the colander under cold running water.  Move the beans around with your hand while under the running water so that the beans are thoroughly washed.
3. Place the beans in a large pot.  Fill the pot with enough water so that the water level is at least 2-3 inches above the beans.  The general rule is three parts water to one part beans.  Be sure to leave enough room in the pot so that the water can boil without spilling over the top
4. Place the pot of beans on the stove and turn the heat to high. Bring the water to a boil, uncovered.  After cooking at a full boil for two minutes, turn the heat off and immediately cover the pot.
5. Let the beans soak, covered, for at least 90 minutes.  Larger beans and old beans will benefit from longer soaking times.
6. When you are ready to cook the beans, drain and discard the soaking water.

Soaking Beans Overnight

1. Measure out the amount of dried beans that the recipe calls for and place them in a colander.  Carefully inspect the beans and remove any small stones, debris, and questionable-looking beans.
2. Rinse the beans in the colander under cold running water.  Move the beans around with your hand while under the running water so that the beans are thoroughly washed.
3. Place the beans in a large pot.  Fill the pot with enough cold water so that the water level is at least 2-3 inches above the beans.  The general rule is three parts water to one part beans.
4. Cover the pot of beans.  Let the beans soak for at least eight hours.  If you intend to soak the beans for more than one day, replace the soaking water with fresh water every 24 hours.
5. When you are ready to cook the beans, drain and discard the soaking water.

FAQ

How long can I let the beans soak?
Beans can be soaked for several days using the overnight soaking method as long as the soaking water is changed every 24 hours.

Beans soaked using the quick-soak method should not be left to soak for more than a few hours.

What kinds of beans should I soak?
Lentils, split peas, and pinto beans do not need to be soaked.  All other beans should be soaked before cooking.

Should I soak my beans overnight or use the quick-soak method?
Unless otherwise specified in the recipe, the method of soaking depends entirely on your time constraints and beans.  Generally, the longer beans soak, the less cooking time they will require, so soaking overnight may help reduce your time spent in the kitchen.  Also, since large beans and old beans require more rehydration, they should be soaked for at least a few hours.  You can still effectively soak them using the quick-soak method, but be prepared to spend a long time cooking them!

After the beans have been soaked, are they ready to be used in the recipe?
Unless otherwise specified in the recipe (falafel is a big exception here), the answer is NO.  The beans will still be too tough to eat even after soaking for many hours.  They must be cooked before they can be used in the recipe.  Please see the How to Cook Beans guide for instructions on how to cook beans.

If I still need to cook the beans, why should I bother soaking them?
Beans are soaked in advance in order to reduce the cooking time.  Soaking beans does not actually cook them.  Yes, it is possible to throw the beans directly into a pot of boiling water and cook them without pre-soaking, but they will require many hours of cooking time before they are soft enough to eat.  It is faster and easier to soak, then cook them.

Find more bean recipes here: The Complete List of Bean Recipes by BeansBeansBeans