Beans, Lentils, Split Peas, Pearl Barley

Use instructions for Beans, Lentils, Split Peas, Pearl Barley…

Beans - Preparation Instructions: QUICK SOAK- rinse and sort beans.  To 1 lb. beans (about 2 cups) add 8 cups water.  Bring water to rapid boil, boil for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Cover and let stand for 1 hours. Drain soaking water and rinse beans. [This removes the toots]……………….. OR……………………………. OVERNIGHT SOAK- rinse and sort beans.  To 1 lb. beans (about 2 cups) add 8 cups of cold water.  Let stand overnight or at least 8 hours.  Drain soaking water and rinse beans. COOKING INSTRUCTIONS- Add 8 cups of water to drained and rinsed beans.  Simmer gently with a lid on until desired tenderness is reached, about 2 hours.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Salt pork, ham or bacon may be added during cooking for extra flavor.  Add acidic ingredients such as tomatoes, vinegar, or citrus juices only at the end of cooking once beans are tender.

Lentils- Preparation: Before cooking, always examine, sort and rinse well.  Lentils require no soaking prior to cooking. COOKING INSTRUCTIONS- In a large pot, add lentils and hot water (to 1 pound of lentils add 8 cups hot water).  Cover and cook lentils about 25-45 minutes or until desired tenderness is reached depending on the dish you want to prepare(about 25 minutes for salads and main dishes and 30-45 minutes for soups or purees). Note: do not cover completely, when placing a lid, leave the pot slightly open.

Split Peas – Preparation: Before cooking, always examine, sort and rinse well.  Split peas require no soaking prior to cooking. COOKING INSTRUCTIONS- Cover peas with water (3 cups of water to 1 cup of dry peas). Bring peas to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes until tender.

Pearl Barley - Preparation: Before cooking, always examine, sort and rinse well.  COOKING INSTRUCTIONS- Wash barley thoroughly and add water (to 2 cups of barley add 8 cups water); cook for 30-45 minutes in a large volume of rapidly boiling water. Drain, wash with cold water and reheat as needed. Barley increases 4 times in bulk.  Add to soups and casseroles.

16 Bean Soup Mix – Preparation: Thoroughly examine and sort beans prior to cooking. Wash beans in cold water. Soak beans as follows: QUICK SOAK- place washed and sorted beans in a large pot and add water.  (To 1 lb of beans add 8 cups water.) Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour.  Drain soaking water and rinse beans. [This removes the toots]……………….. OR……………………………. OVERNIGHT SOAK- washed and sorted beans may be soaked, covered in cold water overnight or at least eight hours.  Drain soaking water and rinse beans. COOKING INSTRUCTIONS- Add 6 cups of hot water to drained and rinsed beans.  Simmer gently with a lid on until desired tenderness is reached, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.  Add contents of seasoning packet during last half hour of cooking.