"JamesG" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> I usually cook pinto or black beans and use a quick soak method. I
> haven't cooked kidney beans in a while and don't think that I have ever
> cooked butter beans, but I would guess that you could probably use a
> quick soak method on these beans also. The quick soak method is that
> you cover the beans with several inches of water and then bring them to
> a boil for a couple minutes. You then let them soak for an hour. At
> the end of the hour you replace the water and cook as normal.
> I think that soaking helps keep the beans from giving people as much
> gas by breaking down some of the sugars in the beans. I would guess
> that you could try to cook some without soaking them first, I wouldn't
> try eating them before going on a date though.
>

I always use the "quick soak" method, but have learned (the hard way) that
if I am going to cook the beans in the crock pot, I need to boil for about
10 minutes instead of two. It makes a HUGE difference in the way the beans
cook. Another trick is to NOT add salt to beans as they cook...it makes
them tough.

jillie
Roseville, CA