Dried beans, peas and lentils are known as legumes. All legumes except lentils and peas require rehydrating before cooking.

How to Store Legumes and How to Cook It?

It is best to soak them overnight, but if you have not preplanned then pour hot water over the beans and soak them for at least 4-5 hours. Whichever method of soaking is used, always drain and rinse beans before proceeding with the recipe. I choose to cook dried beans halfway through before adding salt, sugar or any acidic ingredient. A reasonable amount of salt will only add flavor. Beans are high in fiber and are hard to digest when not cooked well. My motto is to over-cook them a little bit more than necessary. Acquainting the digestive system to well cooked legumes will eventually lessen indigestion and flatulence. Try to incorporate legumes into your diet for their healthy benefits.