Frequently Asked Questions
Do canned beans need to be cooked?
Nope! Canned beans are already fully cooked, so you can drain and rinse them and use them right away in salads, sandwiches, dips, and other no-cook recipes. Of course, you can also add them to soups, curries, tacos, and other cooked dishes.
Do you have to soak dried beans before cooking?
It depends on the type of bean and the cooking method. Soaking can help dried beans cook more quickly and evenly, but it isn’t always necessary. For the best results, follow the instructions for the specific variety of bean you’re using.
How do you make beans taste better?
Season them! Beans have a fairly mild flavour, which is exactly why they work in so many different recipes. Garlic, onion, spices, fresh herbs, sauces, citrus, vinegar, and other bold seasonings can completely transform them. Many of my favourite bean recipes also combine different textures, such as creamy beans with crunchy vegetables or crispy toppings.
What can I make with a can of beans?
So many things! Depending on the type of bean, you can turn a can into tacos, curries, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, dips, chili, pasta dishes, or even pizza. That’s exactly why I put this collection together: scroll through the recipes above, find the beans you already have in your pantry, and pick whatever sounds good!