Black beans belong to the Legume family and generally have the same nutritional value as red kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Black beans are particularly known for their high concentrations of fiber, folate, and potassium. All of these are beneficial for regulating high cholesterol levels.
Black beans can also be combined with numerous beans and other vegetables to make soups and dietary additions. People who prefer keto diets should especially look into the use of black beans in their daily diets. You can even use a Keto cookbook if you are new to the whole keto thing.
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Why Should You Soak Black Beans?
We can categorically state two crucial reasons why you should soak your beans. First of all, beans have a tough outer shell that makes them difficult to prepare, especially the dried ones. You will have to soak them if you want to cut down your cooking time.
Statistically speaking, Soaking cuts the cooking time by at least 30 minutes. The other problem is generally related to a majority of the other Legumes. Beans have indigestible sugars, specifically oligosaccharide, which causes flatulence.
In short, to reduce gas and make beans more digestible, you will have to soak them. Why? Soaking breaks down the component that produces this gas, allowing you to enjoy your black beans without any concern.
How to Soak Black Beans
Soaking black beans is easy peasy, even by novice standards. You will need a few basic skills and tools to soak them properly. First of all, addressing the topic of soaking, the soaking method depends on the medium you are using and the dish you are trying to make.
Second, there are some basic things like Kosher Salt, Apple Cider Vinegar, and BBQ gloves that you will need. The BBQ gloves are pretty much for your safety since the quick soak method requires high heat.
Soaking Black Beans in Water
Water or Brine is essentially the simplest way to soak black beans. It isn’t just water in this case since you also have to add some salt to your water. Salt catalyzes the breakdown of the black bean’s shell.
It results in the absorption of water and makes it more heat receptive, which allows faster cooking. The salt also reduces the toxicity of beans, making them more digestible.
Soaking Black Beans in Vinegar
Some individuals soak their beans in a vinegar solution. To be more specific, you put a teaspoon of cider vinegar into the water and bean mixture. The vinegar makes salt redundant, consequently making your black beans tastier.
The vinegar also acts as a catalyzing agent, but it also makes your black beans firmer. You can get that rich flavor without compromising on the shape of your black beans.
How Long To Soak Black Beans
The soaking period of beans depends on what you are using. Normally black beans need between four and six hours of soaking. Using diluted vinegar would make that soaking close to four hours.
Another factor that determines the soaking period is the dish that you are trying to make. Some people prefer soft black beans; others prefer a bit of firmness. The longer you soak your beans, the softer they become.
You have to factor in your goals and desires to understand the right soaking method and period.
Can You Soak Black Beans Overnight?
Black beans, compared to some of the other beans, don’t need that much soaking time. You can soak them overnight, but we wouldn’t recommend it. If you still want to give your beans an overnight soak, then put them in cold water or a refrigerated soak.
Excessive soaking in the case of the black bean could make them mushy and deformed. Some people use vinegar to get rid of that problem, but you will lose out on some flavor.
How to Soak Black Beans Fast
The fast method is pretty much also the easiest one. It requires your average container with black beans. You cover your black beans with about an inch of water, enough to allow for boiling. There are two ways that you can go about with.
First, you bring everything to a boil and then leave the solution to sit still for an hour. After that, you drain the water and use the beans as you want. This method is easy, but some people think that it reduces and diminishes the rich flavor of black beans.
The second alternative method is to skip all of this and just get some canned black beans. No more hassle, no more cooking. Heat them, serve them and eat them!
Sources
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