Slow-Cooker Beans
Achieving perfectly tender beans without a mushy texture is simple when you use a slow cooker. By maintaining a gentle simmer, the slow cooker allows the beans to absorb flavors and cook evenly, making it an ideal method. Skip soaking the beans, infuse them with your choice of flavorings, and season with salt both before and after cooking. While the cooking time can differ depending on the bean variety and your slow cooker’s strength, begin testing at the six-hour mark to determine when they’re done. Larger pieces of flavorings will hold up better in the long cooking time, preventing them from disintegrating into the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried beans avoid red kidney beans; refer to tip
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt Diamond Crystal
- Optional flavorings see tip 1
Instructions
- In a slow cooker with a capacity of 5 quarts or more, combine the dried beans, olive oil, salt, and your selected flavorings. Add enough water to cover the beans by approximately 2 inches. Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the beans are tender. To check for doneness, press a few beans between your fingers; they should flatten with ease. If you plan to eat the beans cold, cook them slightly longer, as they will firm up when cooled. Season the beans to taste with salt once they are fully cooked.
- Step 2:
- Allow the beans to cool slightly. You can serve them immediately or store them in an airtight container with their cooking liquid. They will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to three months.
- Tips
- For optimal flavor, consider adding vegetables such as carrots, celery, shallots, fennel, or garlic, and aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves. Spices such as dried or fresh chili, oregano, or peppercorns can introduce heat, while umami-rich ingredients like bacon, ham hock, or Parmesan rinds can deepen the flavor.
- To ensure safety, all beans should reach a gentle simmer and be cooked until tender. If your slow cooker does not reach a sufficient simmer on the low setting, switch to the high setting for at least 15 minutes to guarantee safe consumption.