Shweta Das Shweta Das Asked 6 months ago

How long to soak kidney beans before cooking?

My mom always says to soak rajma overnight, but sometimes I forget. Is there a minimum time to soak kidney beans before cooking them properly? Don't want to mess up the curry!

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5 answers

Gaurav Singh Gaurav Singh Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago
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Soak them long enough for them to realize they're going to be delicious rajma, not just boring beans! Seriously though, overnight is ideal, like 8-12 hours. If you try to rush it, they'll just play hard to get in the cooker. Trust me, patience is key here!

Sameer Khan Sameer Khan Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

It can feel like a chore sometimes, all these cooking steps, and especially when you're trying to get a meal done. But for kidney beans, soaking them for 8-12 hours (overnight) is really important. It helps break down compounds that cause indigestion. It's a small step that makes a big difference in the end.

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Priya Reddy Priya Reddy Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

Little sister/brother, for kidney beans, always make sure to soak them properly. At least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, is what you should aim for. This makes them softer, reduces cooking time, and helps prevent any stomach discomfort. Don't worry, it's a simple step but very important for good rajma.

Deepa Sharma Deepa Sharma Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

I used to struggle with cooking kidney beans until I learned the trick of proper soaking. Definitely soak them overnight, 8 to 12 hours is best. It really makes a difference in texture and helps prevent that gassy feeling. Always discard the soaking water before cooking too.

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Kamla Devi Kamla Devi Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

Beta, our grandmothers always said to soak rajma (kidney beans) for the whole night. 8 to 10 hours is very important. It makes them easier to digest and cook. Always throw away that soaking water and use fresh water for cooking. This is a very old practice for a reason.

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