Step 1: Soak the Beans
- Soak overnight (you did this right 👍)
- Drain and rinse well
Step 2: Pre-Boil (IMPORTANT STEP 🔥)
👉 This is what most people skip
- Put beans in a pot
- Cover with water
- Bring to a boil for 10–15 minutes
- Drain
💡 This jumpstarts softening
Step 3: Build the Soup
- Add beans to slow cooker or pot
- Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic
- Add stock
- Add ham if using
- Add bay leaf and spices (NOT salt yet)
Step 4: Cook Properly
- Slow cooker HIGH: 6–7 hours
- OR Stovetop: simmer 1.5–2 hours
Step 5: Add Salt Last
- Only add salt when beans are tender
👉 This makes a HUGE difference
Step 6: Finish
- Taste and adjust seasoning
- Optional: add a splash of vinegar or lemon at the end
🔥 Pro Tips (Game-Changer)
- Add ½ tsp baking soda while cooking → softens beans faster
- Always cook beans at a real simmer, not lukewarm
- If using a slow cooker → start on HIGH, not LOW
💡 Bottom Line
👉 Your beans aren’t ruined — they just need more heat and time
👉 Move them to a boil/simmer and they should soften
