Peter Dy wrote:

> "Judy Cosler" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>do NOT soak them. takes the saltiness away. use as is.
>>
>
>
> Wow, everyone does it differently. I don't soak either, but I do coarsely
> chop them. I think mashing them in a mortar makes it too bitter.
>
> Well, for some dishes I soak them -- for lighter dishes.

I've watched my MIL soak and chop. I'm lazy, so I buy the jar
of Black Bean & Garlic paste. I suck

--
Dan