Bruce wrote:
> On Sun, 16 Jun 2019 17:07:53 -0500, Hank Rogers >
> wrote:
>
>> Bruce wrote:
>>> On Sun, 16 Jun 2019 14:44:29 -0500, Hank Rogers >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Bruce wrote:
>>>>> On Sun, 16 Jun 2019 07:38:28 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Bruce wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks, all. The first pot we tried was stainless steel, but it
>>>>>>> stained. The second one was a Le Creuset and it stained too. I'll try
>>>>>>> the bleach solution. If that doesn't help, I'll buy a pot just for
>>>>>>> beans, since we have them all the time now.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> A few other thoughts here, Bruce. Are you sure that stainless
>>>>>> steel pot was actually that? I've cooked black beans many times
>>>>>> here. The cooking water does turn somewhat black but never had it
>>>>>> stain my pot. I'm not trying to be difficult here - it's just
>>>>>> never happened.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How I cook them (and many other dried beans) is to soak in plenty
>>>>>> of cold water the evening before I cook them. Next morning drain
>>>>>> that soaking water and replace with fresh then cook until done.
>>>>>
>>>>> That's what I did too. I don't know if soaking them really makes them
>>>>> easier to digest, but all help is welcome 
I think we're also
>>>>> getting used to them after 2 weeks of having them for breakfast.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I've heard that soaking is only to reduce cooking time and/or
>>>> produce less farts. Could be a n old wives tale though.
>>>
>>> It won't hurt, so why not, unless you're in a hurry?
>>>
>>
>> Yep, I always soaked beans, but not lentils, etc.
>>
>> Also, If yoose add anything acidic, like tomatoes, don't put them in
>> until the beans are tender. Salt doesn't seem to be a problem, but
>> acids make them tough.
>
> I'll remember that. I agree that salt doesn't hurt. I've put it in at
> the beginning and at the end. The result was fine in both cases.
>
Oh yeah, forgot to mention; If yoose use salt in the soaking water,
less salt is needed later, either before or after the beans are cooked.
The salted water is discarded and the beans rinsed, but salt does
get inside the beans as they soak, so don't add as much salt till
you taste them. It's very hard to fix oversalted food.