Ever wonder why beans sometimes feel heavy? It often comes down to how they’re prepared.
Dried beans naturally contain compounds that can create gas and discomfort in the gut. Soaking beans overnight (about 8–12 hours) helps reduce these compounds, making beans easier to digest, less gassy and more comfortable for most people. It also improves texture and shortens cooking time.
If beans are soaked longer, with the water changed and allowed to begin sprouting, those benefits increase slightly. Sprouted beans can be even gentler on digestion, but even one good overnight soak makes a noticeable difference.
After soaking, cook beans until fully tender on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. Feel free to add aromatics like shallot, onion, garlic or herbs for flavor.
One important tip: wait to add salt until the beans are fully cooked. Salting too early can keep them firm instead of creamy and tender.
A small step, a big payoff, better texture, better digestion and beans you’ll actually want to eat.
I started out over 10 years ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
