Preparing for the Soak, All Methods

• 1). Pick through the dried beans, removing shriveled beans or foreign matter, such as small rocks.
  
  
• 2). Add 10 cups of water to a stockpot.
  
  
• 3). Measure out 1 pound of dried kidney beans.
  
  

Slow Soak

• 1). Add the beans to the stockpot with water.
  
  
• 2). Cover the pot.
  
  
• 3). Place in the pot in the refrigerator, and let it set overnight, or for 6 to 8 hours.
  
  
• 4). Pour out the water, and rinse beans with fresh water.
  
  

Hot Soak

• 1). Place the stockpot on the stove, and bring the water to a boil.
  
  
• 2). Add the beans to the boiling water.
  
  
• 3). Bring the water to a boil for a second time, and then remove the pot from the heat.
  
  
• 4). Cover the stockpot tightly, and set at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.
  
  
• 5). Pour out the water, and rinse the beans with fresh water.
  
  

Quick Soak

• 1). Place the stockpot on the stove, and bring the water to a boil.
  
  
• 2). Add the beans to the boiling water.
  
  
• 3). Bring the water to a boil again, and boil for 3 more minutes.
  
  
• 4). Cover the stockpot tightly, and set at room temperature for 1 hour.
  
  
• 5). Pour out the water, and rinse the beans with fresh water.
  
  

Gas-Free Soak

• 1). Place the stockpot on the stove, and bring the water to a boil.
  
  
• 2). Add the beans to the boiling water.
  
  
• 3). Bring the water to a boil again, and boil for 3 more minutes.
  
  
• 4). Cover the stockpot tightly, and set at room temperature overnight. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 90 percent of the gas causing indigestible sugars will dissolve into the water.
  
  
• 5). Pour out the water, and rinse the beans with fresh water.