Beans inna Crockpot

[Guest guest]

Although most recipes call for soaking the beans beforehand, I got a $10

1.5 (?) small crockpot a few years ago at " K-Mart " (of all places... near

the organic farm I took a sabbatical to work part-time for a year).

 

One cup of beans, around 4 cups of water, and they usually cook quite well

in 4 to 6 hours on low. I tend to make them once in awhile and then freeze

for quick use as needed.

 

I was really surprised at how well this worked, and of course, some beans

take longer and the " size " of the beans is a factor.

 

Having done the soaking thing, the sprouting thing, the boiling and soaking

thing, this is the absolute easiest. No salt, although I have, like with

pintos, added a little powered cumin or other spices depending upon target

meal. Sometimes a little hot sauce, an onion, whatever.

 

Finally, I've used the same process making " boston baked beans " where the

cooking time will be closer to 10 hours on low, depending (again) upon the

bean size and which crockpot I use (I've several... the most recent, for a

single guy, has been the best... a 2 or 2.5 quarter..... the 3.5 quart

crockpots are great, and more common, but tend to cook more than I need in

those and you want to keep them at least half full).

 

The 2/2.5 qt. version has been fantastic for making soup, stews, or

whatever, for two to three meals.

 

Highly recommend checking out the smaller crockpots. The smallest is also

good for appetizer dishes, but the only drawback is it only cooks on LOW

and has no " off " setting (pulling the plug is unnerving).

 

FYI, Mark

 

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