Preparing legumes

Appears in

Published 1986

About

It is impossible to be precise about the amount of liquid and the length of time that different beans need to cook in. The chart below is a guide, but do not take it as precise to the last minute. Both the time and water factors depend on the age of the bean - the older the bean, the longer it takes to cook - but there is no way of telling how old a dried bean is. As a safeguard, buy from shops with a steady turnover, and do not buy wrinkled beans that have no sheen.

Pressure cookers tend to inspire strong emotions in people; you either love them or loathe them. I admit that I have stopped using a pressure cooker, but only because I have burnt two by forgetting they were on the stove when pruning out in the garden. Pressure cookers cut down considerably on cooking time, which can mean a great saving on fuel; and contrary to popular belief, they do not destroy vitamins in food.