Use the quick-soak method when you forgot to soak overnight

Place rinsed beans in a pot, cover with water by 3 inches, and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour. Drain, add fresh water, and cook as normal. This replicates an overnight soak in about an hour.

Why It Works

The quick-soak achieves approximately 80% of the hydration of an overnight soak. The brief boil jump-starts water absorption, and the covered resting period allows it to continue. Results are nearly identical to the overnight method.

Tips

• This works for all dried beans: black, pinto, kidney, navy, cannellini, chickpeas
• Cooking time after quick-soaking may be 10-15 minutes longer than after overnight soaking
• Still drain and use fresh water for cooking to reduce gas-causing compounds
• For maximum speed, combine with pressure cooking (see Instant Pot method)