How to Cook Dried Beans in the Microwave: Quick and Easy Guide

Are you tired of waiting hours for your dried beans to cook on the stove? Did you know that you can cook them in the microwave in a fraction of the time? Yes, you read that correctly – the microwave! Not only is it faster, but it’s also a great option for those who don’t have access to a stove or don’t want to heat up their kitchen during the hot summer months.

Cooking dried beans in the microwave is a game changer. It’s quick, easy, and produces delicious results. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked beans that are ready to be used in your favorite recipes. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking dried beans in the microwave – from how to properly soak and sort them, to tips for getting the best results. So, grab a bag of dried beans and let’s get started!

Why Cook Dried Beans in the Microwave?

Are you tired of waiting hours for your dried beans to cook on the stovetop? Look no further than your microwave! While it may not be the first method that comes to mind when cooking dried beans, it is a fast and efficient way to cook them. Here are a few reasons why you should consider cooking your dried beans in the microwave:

Quick and Convenient

Cooking dried beans in the microwave is a quick and convenient method. It can cut the cooking time down significantly compared to traditional stovetop methods. In fact, cooking dried beans in the microwave is faster than a stovetop and other methods. This is especially useful when you need to prepare a meal quickly.

Nutritious

Dried beans are a great source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Cooking them in the microwave can help retain these nutrients better than other methods. This is because the microwave uses less water than traditional stovetop methods, which can cause some of the nutrients to leach out.

Saves Energy

Using the microwave to cook dried beans can save energy compared to using the stovetop. This is because the microwave uses less energy to cook the beans. Additionally, you don’t need to heat up your entire kitchen with the stove, which can be especially beneficial during hot summer months.

Easy to Control

When cooking dried beans in the microwave, it’s easy to control the cooking process. You can easily check on the beans and adjust the cooking time as needed. This can help ensure that your beans are cooked to your desired texture.

Overall, cooking dried beans in the microwave is a fast, convenient, and nutritious method that can save you time and energy. Give it a try and see how it works for you!

Preparing Dried Beans

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the delicious taste and texture of dried beans, the microwave is your friend! With a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked beans in no time. Here’s how:

Soaking the Beans

Before cooking dried beans in the microwave, it’s important to soak them first. Soaking helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. You can soak beans overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick-soak method.

Quick-Soak Method

To quick-soak dried beans, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with water. Microwave on high for 10 minutes, then let the beans sit in the hot water for an additional 30 minutes. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Rinsing and Seasoning

After soaking the beans, rinse them thoroughly and drain off any excess water. Add the beans to a large microwave-safe dish or casserole and cover them with water. The general rule of thumb is to use 1 quart of water per pound of dried beans.

Next, add your desired seasonings. Salt and pepper are a must, but you can also add herbs, garlic, or other seasonings to give your beans extra flavor. Be careful not to add too much salt, as it can toughen the beans.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for dried beans in the microwave can vary depending on the type of bean and the power of your microwave. As a general rule, start with 10 minutes on high and then check the beans for doneness. If they’re not quite done, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until they’re tender.

Once your beans are cooked to perfection, drain off any excess water and serve. Enjoy the delicious taste and texture of perfectly cooked dried beans in no time!

Microwaving Dried Beans

Microwaving dried beans is a quick and easy way to get perfectly cooked beans without having to wait for hours. It’s also a great option if you don’t want to use the stove or oven, or if you don’t have a slow cooker. Here are some tips on how to microwave dried beans.

Choosing the Right Container

When microwaving dried beans, it’s important to choose the right container. A casserole dish or other large microwave-safe vessel with a tight-fitting lid is ideal. The dish should be at least twice the volume of beans and added water to prevent overflow during cooking.

Adding Liquid and Aromatics

To cook dried beans in the microwave, add 1 quart of water per pound of dried beans and soak them in the refrigerator for 6 to 12 hours. After soaking, drain the beans and add them to the casserole dish. Add enough cooking liquid (water or stock) to cover the beans by about 1 inch.

To add flavor, you can also add aromatics like rosemary, thyme, or onions. These will infuse the beans with delicious flavors as they cook.

Cooking the Beans

Once you’ve added the cooking liquid and aromatics, cover the casserole dish with a lid and microwave on high for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and stir the beans. If necessary, add more hot water to keep the beans covered.

Continue microwaving the beans in 5-minute intervals until they are tender. The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave and the type of beans you’re using. It can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to cook dried beans in the microwave.

When the beans are done, let them sit in the cooking liquid for a few minutes to absorb more flavor and tenderness.

Microwaving dried beans is a quick and easy way to get tender, flavorful beans without having to wait for hours. With the right container, cooking liquid, and aromatics, you can create delicious beans in no time.

Finishing Touches

Make your microwaved beans taste even better with these finishing touches.

Draining and Seasoning

Once your beans are cooked, drain them using a colander. Rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove any excess starch. This will help prevent the beans from becoming mushy.

Next, season your beans with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices to taste. You can also add a splash of olive oil for extra flavor and richness. Experiment with different seasonings and find your favorite combination.

Adding Meat and Oil

For an even heartier dish, add some cooked ham or bacon to your beans. Simply chop the meat into small pieces and add it to the beans before microwaving. The meat will infuse the beans with its smoky flavor and add a satisfying texture.

You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to your beans for extra richness and depth of flavor. This is especially delicious with Italian herbs like rosemary and thyme.

With these simple finishing touches, your microwaved beans will taste like they’ve been slow-cooked for hours. Experiment with different flavors and seasonings to find your perfect combination.

Storing and Using Cooked Beans

Cooking dried beans in the microwave is quick and easy. However, you might not need all the beans you cook at once. Here are some tips for storing and using cooked beans.

Storing in the Refrigerator

Cooked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. To store cooked beans, let them cool to room temperature and transfer them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze cooked beans for up to six months.

Using in Soups and Stews

Cooked beans are a great addition to soups and stews. They add protein and fiber and can make the dish more filling. To use cooked beans in soups and stews, add them at the end of the cooking time. This will prevent them from becoming mushy. You can also puree cooked beans and add them to soups and stews to thicken the broth.

Adding to Casseroles

Cooked beans can also be added to casseroles. They add texture and flavor to the dish. To add cooked beans to a casserole, mix them with the other ingredients and bake as directed. You can also use cooked beans as a topping for casseroles. Sprinkle them on top of the casserole before baking.

Overall, cooked beans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. They are easy to store and can be used to add nutrition and flavor to your meals.

Conclusion

Cooking dried beans in the microwave is a fast and easy way to get delicious, healthy beans on the table. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked beans in no time.

One of the great things about cooking beans in the microwave is that you don’t need to soak them beforehand. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re short on time.

Another advantage of cooking beans in the microwave is that it’s a very hands-off process. Once you’ve prepared the beans and put them in the microwave, you can go about your day and let the microwave do all the work.

If you’re looking for a healthy, tasty way to cook green beans, microwaving is a great option. You can simply wash and trim the beans, put them in a microwave-safe dish, and cook them for a few minutes until they’re tender.

In conclusion, cooking dried beans in the microwave is a fast, easy, and convenient way to get delicious, healthy beans on the table. Whether you’re cooking black beans, kidney beans, or any other type of bean, the microwave can help you get perfectly cooked beans every time. So why not give it a try and see how easy it can be?