Quick help! Soaking beans

[lisas3575]

I'm making chili tonight and the recipe said to soak the beans overnight, which I did. Should I keep them soaking until mid-afternoon when I start the chili or do I need to do something with them this morning? :confused:

[Kahlico]

You could always drain them and then refrigerate them until you are ready to make the chili. Make sure the recipe doesn't involve keeping the soaking water (most don't).

:)
~Emilie~

[VictoriaL]

After soaking the beans, they will still need to be cooked which, depending on the type of bean and how old it is, may take up to several hours. If you have the time, start cooking them now then when they are done drain and rinse and refrigerate until it's time to add to the recipe. I've had meals delayed an hour or more because the beans too longer to cook than I had anticipated!

[lisas3575]

Thanks!! I appreciate the quick responses. I don't have time to make the chili ahead this morning, but I'll start it earlier than I'd planned to make sure the beans are cooked enough.

[Jewel]

I've always figured that soaking overnight meant soaking for at least 8 hours. Usually when I'm making a bean dish for dinner I start them soaking before I head to work in the morning so they're ready for me when I get home!

Of course my pressure cooker has those soaked beans cooked tender in 20 minutes.... :p