oh dear what have I done wrong?!?!

top_drawer_2

hi,

I have just been going through my cupboards and come across some kidney beans and some butter beans I bought ages ago with a view to bulking out food with them. I've never used them before but it says on the instructions that I should put them both in water for a few hours (12 I think) and then cook them from there....

However, they have been in there about an hour and they have peeled and split ..... is this what is supposed to happen? can I still use them?

Thanks

Jen

Triker

Are they dried?

I shouldn't worry if they've peeled and split, they should still be fine.

Obviously if you do become violently ill after eating them I take no responsibility for any advice I just gave.;):D

kazzys51

hi there some of the beans ive soaked have split before and they were fine i take it they are in a pack as opose to a tin (JUST CHECK THE DATE) if so i think they'll be fine keep soaking them because they dont soften well just buy cooking alone when soaked cook with soup/chilli for 20min+ and they'll taste fab!

GOOD LUCK kazzys

Addiscomber

You may find that they don't soften however long you cook them for. Don't forget that some beans need to be boiled for at least a certain length of time to get rid of toxins. I cannot remember which off the top of my head, but the packet or a google will tell you.

top_drawer_2

yes the packet says to soak for 12 hours and then to cook them from there .... I didnt think they could go off as theyre dried.

I'm just a bit concerned that theres something but surely its not possible - i was instructed to put them in water and I did!!

Jen

~daisy~_2

kidney beans are one of them - anyone remember thats life and esther going on about dried kidney beans ??

dutchy

Far as I recall, kidney beans especially need to be soaked overninght, then boiled hard for the first ten minutes, then simmered for at least an hour. They can be poisonous if not cooked correctly. Don't worry about them splitting; it just happens.

kunekune

Yes, it is kidney beans that you have to be careful with. But it's not a big deal. When you boil them, make sure you REALLY BOIL THEM and FOR AT LEAST TEN MINUTES. That's all. The horror stories are from people who soaked their beans and thought they were ok to eat because they were soft. They are not, they really do seriously have to be cooked. Raw kidney beans in a slow cooker is a particular worry.

With the splitting you mention, that sounds like they are quite old beans. But it shouldn't matter - a split skin won't stop it cooking later and certainly doesn't matter when you come to eat the food.

PS. I was poisoned by uncooked kidney beans (thanks step mum) when I was 15. It's not just an urban myth. It is poison and will make you very sick indeed.

top_drawer_2

kunekune wrote: »

With the splitting you mention, that sounds like they are quite old beans. But it shouldn't matter - a split skin won't stop it cooking later and certainly doesn't matter when you come to eat the food.

PS. I was poisoned by uncooked kidney beans (thanks step mum) when I was 15. It's not just an urban myth. It is poison and will make you very sick indeed.

Thanks, yes they have been in the cupboard for a fair while 3-4 months at least and the kidney beans ive had for who knows how long!!

Wow, really ill then? just sickness etc or can you die? My mum is a carp cook too - I swear ive had food poisoning several times

Jen

Olliebeak

Been in the cupboard for 3-4months! Lucky you - some of mine have been in there for around a year lol!

They'll be fine - just make sure that you follow the instructions to the letter - especially with the kidney beans .

We love butterbeans here and I did some for last sunday. I forgot how much they swell up and did far too many. Finished up adding them to a pot of Leek and Potato soup on tuesday to use them up - they added a nice flavour, bit more protein and extra fibre .

top_drawer_2

Olliebeak wrote: »

Been in the cupboard for 3-4months! Lucky you - some of mine have been in there for around a year lol!

its all the preparation thats involved... I need to cut back and be healthier though.

I'm plaaning on freezing them all in separate bags and then using them as and when to ekk out meals as much as possible.

Jen