Preparation

• Rinse and pick through the dried beans, removing any rocks or fragments. 

• In a large container, stir the salt into 8 cups water. Soak the beans in the salt water at room temperature 8 to 24 hours. 

• Drain and rinse the beans, then place them in a 6-quart slow cooker with 10 cups fresh water. Cover and cook until tender, 3½ to 4 hours on high or 6 to 7 hours on low. Use immediately or freeze up to 3 months.

*Black beans don’t need to be soaked before cooking.