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Forgot to Soak Dried Beans Overnight; Anything I Can Do?

Hi, I planned to make chilli con carne tonight but forgot to soak the kidney beans overnight.

I remember reading somewhere that there is something you can do (like boiling and rinsing and boiling, etc) if you do forget to soak them, but I don't remember it and the quick searches I've done on the net only mention about pre-soaking for 8 hours which I now don't have the time for!

Can anyone help?? :o
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Comments

  • I agree - sure I've seen that you can do this, but can't remember the recipe. This site says it's fine to not soak - the reason for doing it is that the beans absorb some moisture so cook more quickly.

    If I remember, the method is to pour boiling water over the beans. Bring to the boil and boil for 30 mins. Leave for the rest of the day, then simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook.

    HTH, Penny. x
    :rudolf: Sheep, pigs, hens and bees on our Teesdale smallholding :rudolf:
  • QOTD
    QOTD Posts: 218
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    That sounds good enough for me, thanks Penny. I best get started ....
  • maypole
    maypole Posts: 1,816
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    I thought it was dangerous NOT to soak them. I use the canned ones and they are fine, just rinse them and they are ready to use.
  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 34,578
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    Hi
    I've heard somewhere that it's dangerous to cook red kidney beans without soaking too.

    I know there was something years ago about people who were putting unsoaked beans into the slow cooker & it made them ill.

    If I were you, QOTD, I'd be inclined to put the chilli off until tomorrow, get the beans a-soaking and plan something else for tea tonight.

    Regards
    Polly
  • Not sure about this - don't want to cause a poisoning :o

    My understanding is that you need to cook the beans thoroughly to destroy the potential toxin in them. That's why the first cooking is a rolling boil rather than a simmer.

    As ever, exercise caution when taking advice from this board, but I know what I'd do.

    Penny. x
    :rudolf: Sheep, pigs, hens and bees on our Teesdale smallholding :rudolf:
  • Pollycat wrote: »
    Hi
    I've heard somewhere that it's dangerous to cook red kidney beans without soaking too.

    I know there was something years ago about people who were putting unsoaked beans into the slow cooker & it made them ill.

    If I were you, QOTD, I'd be inclined to put the chilli off until tomorrow, get the beans a-soaking and plan something else for tea tonight.

    Regards
    Polly

    That's because a slow cooker might not be at a high enough temperature for long enough.

    Penny. x
    :rudolf: Sheep, pigs, hens and bees on our Teesdale smallholding :rudolf:
  • QOTD
    QOTD Posts: 218
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    Thanks everyone for your responses, I usually keep a can of beans in for emergencies (ie when I forget to soak them) but I hadn't any at the moment. I also remember something about them being dangerous to use without soaking.

    I have decided to boil them for 30 mins skimming off any skum that has appeared, rinse and boil again. I've done this 3 times now so they've been boiling away in total of 1.5 hours. I've now left them to soak in clean water so they should get a further 3-4 hours soak before I am ready to cook with them.

    I'll take a look then, and decide whether to use them or not
  • rockie4
    rockie4 Posts: 1,264
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    As I remember it's not the soaking, it's that you need to boil rapidly for 10-15 minutes to ensure the toxins are killed off, so if you've boiled them 3 times they should be fine.
  • Lillibet_2
    Lillibet_2 Posts: 3,364
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    I have a lamb casserol in my slow cooker & I had planned on adding Tesco dried mixed beans to it to pad it out, I already have loads of veg in it. However, I totally forgot the beans have to soak for 8 hours before boiling for 10 mins then adding to the SC. Does anyone know if I can speed up the soaking process somehow, cook them in the microwave or something?

    Thanks:o
    Post Natal Depression is the worst part of giving birth:p

    In England we have Mothering Sunday & Father Christmas, Mothers day & Santa Clause are American merchandising tricks:mad: Demonstrate pride in your heirtage by getting it right please people!
  • jennybb
    jennybb Posts: 228 Forumite
    Lillibet, does the bean mix have dark beans (like kidney beans) in it? I think that they are the ones that have to be soaked and boiled - I think they have a toxin in them. I'm sure a more knowledgeable person will be along soon ;)
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