Beans: Cook and Store Your Own

Ever wanted to cook your own beans? Well maybe you didn't but either way, it's very easy to do and will save you some money. We're not talking huge amounts of money, but when you think about spending 68 cents on one can and you can get more than four cans worth out of a 2lb bag of dry beans that you pay $1.22 for, it can make a difference. Plus home cooked beans taste better, to me anyway. This recipe is for chili pinto beans, but the cooking method could be applied to any kind of bean, just omit the chili powder.

Note: this recipe is for beans that you freeze, not can.

Chili Beans

Start with a 2lb bag of dry pinto beans. Empty bag into a colander and rinse through, checking to make sure there are no rocks mixed in with the beans. Put each handful into a large pot. Cover with water.

Bring to a boil on high; boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let sit for at least 1 hour.

Pour beans back into colander and rinse pot. Rinse beans again, returning to the pot. Cover with water.

Add 4 heaping spoonfuls of chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Cook on medium until beans are desired softness.

You can store beans in the freezer until you're ready to use them. Makes about 4 cans worth of beans.

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