Beans Beans they're good for your heart...

[JessicaS]

I usually use dried beans when I am making a big pot of beans but canned beans if I am just using a bit in soup or salad. I am tired of that. I would like to just use dried beans.

Does anyone have a chart handy for how many cups of dried beans make how many cooked?

[Magelet]

1 c. dried beans = about 2.5 c cooked beans

[cristeen]

Not a chart, but 3 c of dried navy beans usually gives me about just over half a gallon of cooked.

I always make that much at a time and freeze the excess in 2 c portions (which is about what's in a can).

[Magelet]

I make a lot as well, and freeze it, though I don't think that frozen beans would work well for salads, as they lose their shape a bit. it's great for refried, beans and rice, beans with fat, or other dishes where a bit mushy beans are fine, but if you want whole beans, I don't know if they freeze well.

[UrbanMamma]

I find that a quarter to third of a pint glass canning jar ends up being a can or so, depending on the bean. About twice a week, if I know I will be home for a 3 hours stretch the next day, I start one soaking. The next day I cook and then put it back into the jar (make sure you have enough liquid to cover, if not add water) and put a lid on it. Keeps in the fridge about a week. I rotate garbanzo and black beans mostly.

[BedHead]

I find that if they're soaked and cooked till they're still firm (el dente) then frozen, they're fine for salads and such.