Why You Should Consider Soaking Black Beans Before Cooking

Black beans are a beloved ingredient in many cuisines for their rich flavors and nutritional benefits. Before cooking them, do you really need to soak them? Let's explore the advantages and consider when it might be beneficial to do so.

Faster Cooking Time and Cost Savings

One of the most compelling reasons to soak black beans before cooking is the potential for faster cooking times. Soaking helps to hydrate the beans, making them more tender and cooking them faster. This can save you both time and money on fuel or electricity costs, as you might need a shorter cooking time. If you're concerned about energy efficiency, soaking can be a practical choice.

Reducing Gas-Producing Compounds

In addition to the time-saving benefits, soaking beans overnight in plenty of water and then draining and cooking them again eliminates many of the compounds that can cause flatulence. This is a significant consideration for those who regularly experience discomfort after consuming beans. By following this method, you might avoid the bloating and discomfort that can come from gas-producing compounds.

Different Opinions and Practices

It's important to note that opinions on soaking beans can vary, and some chefs have found that black beans can taste better when cooked in their own “pot likker” (the flavorful liquid left over from cooking). According to Serious Eats, they were alerted to the opinion that black beans taste better in their own pot likker. In a follow-up, Russ Parsons from the Los Angeles Times confirmed it in a test.

Personally, I made a soup using recent instructions from the New York Times, which did not call for soaking. However, some readers reported that the soup took too long to cook. The toasted browned flavor and the dark color of the beans were not as pronounced without soaking. If you plan to cook the beans ahead of time and have the luxury of storage, you might let them sit overnight without soaking. This can help enhance their flavors as they release natural sugars and tannins.

Is Soaking Always Necessary?

While soaking is not strictly necessary, it's generally recommended if you want to minimize cooking time and improve the overall texture of the beans. Some also argue that soaking is a form of racism, a term not supported by culinary experts but rather a way to highlight misconceptions about traditional practices. If you're willing to dedicate some time to the soaking process, and if you don't mind some loss of flavor and color, you can achieve great results.

As an alternative, you can also briefly bring the beans to a boil, then reduce heat and let them sit for about an hour. This method serves a similar purpose as overnight soaking, helping to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. It's a quick and effective way to prepare beans without the need for a long wait.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to soak your black beans or not is ultimately a matter of personal preference and cooking habits. However, the benefits of faster cooking times and reduced gas-producing compounds make soaking a worthwhile practice for many. Both soaking and other methods can be effective, so feel free to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.