Mistake #1: Soaking in hot tap water. The water might be too hot. Use room temp.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to rinse. After soaking, always rinse them. They release starchy water.
Mistake #3: Throwing away the soaking water. Some people do. Don’t. You lose flavor. Use fresh water for cooking.
Mistake #4: Cooking them in the soaking water. Do that if you want a gassy disaster. Rinse first.
The Ultimate Soak Schedule
For a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture: 12 hours.
For a firm bite (salads or stews): 8 hours.
For desperate last-minute plans: the one-hour quick soak.
And if you’re really in a rush? Use canned beans. We won’t judge.
