Cold soaking beans for backpacking is a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal while out on the trail. Beans are a great source of protein, fiber and minerals, and can be cooked with other ingredients to make a hearty meal. Cold soaking beans is an easy and lightweight way to prepare them without having to carry extra fuel or a stove.
The first step in cold soaking beans is to pick out the right type of bean. Different types of beans have different cooking times and require different amounts of water, so it’s important to choose ones that will work best for your trip. Some popular choices include black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, kidney beans and garbanzo beans.
Instructions:
1. Begin by rinsing the beans in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Place the rinsed beans in a container that is large enough for them to expand during soaking (make sure there is enough room for at least twice as much water as the volume of beans).
3. Fill the container with cold water until it covers the top layer of beans by about 2 inches (you can add more as needed).
4. Cover the container and let it sit for 8-12 hours at room temperature or overnight (you can also do this in advance before you leave on your trip if you prefer).
5. After 8-12 hours, strain the excess water from the soaked beans using a colander or strainer and rinse them once more with cold water.
6. Your cold-soaked beans are now ready to be cooked! You can either cook them in their own liquid over a low flame on your stove or campfire, or add them into another dish that you are preparing such as soup, chili or burritos.
Conclusion:
Cold soaking is an effective way to prepare delicious meals while out on a backpacking trip without needing extra fuel or equipment. With just some basic instructions and some planning ahead of time, you can easily have delicious meals prepared with minimal effort!