Kidney Beans....help Please

[ladyalex]

I am trying to clear out my cupboards but amd too mean to throw stuff away.

I came upon some dried kidney beans in a jar. I have no idea when they were bought, but we are talking years rather than months.

I soaked them overnight, then again in a change of water for another couple of hours this morning. Then I boiled them for 10 minutes, drained them and used them in a chili con carne.

The chili has been simmering away for over an hour now , but the dratted beans still taste a bit crunchy to me.

Will I poison anyone after all this boiling?
And how much longer will I have to continue until the beans are tender?

Should I overcome my innate meanness and chuck the rest of the uncooked beans out?

[murraymints]

yes !!

[ladyalex]

OMG which question are you answering, murraymints?

[Old_Geezer]

No expert but I'd doubt it. You've soaked them so they should be safe IMO. But age dries them thoroughly I suppose. Might make for a chewy meal. Perhaps you should've boiled them soft first ?

[ladyalex]

Thanks, Old Geezer.

I guess I should have boiled them soft first, but too late for that now.

Glad you think I won't be poisoning anyone, though.....

[jennyjoan]

I always heard that kidney beans were a bit poisonous - I would have thrown the lot out Lady Alex.

[ladyalex]

Just had another test and they are xefinitely getting softer.

They're only poisonous if you don't boil them, jennyjoan.

I think what's left will be heading for the compost heap, though...cannot be doing with this again.

[jennyjoan]

But you've had them for years - oh jeepers creepers.

[diddlydo]

If you have a pressure cooker just put them in without soaking and cook at pressure for 20 minutes. Then test one - if not quite done, give 5 minutes more.

[murraymints]

lady..I meant I would toss anything that had lain around for an indeterminable period of time..especially something like kidney beans...

[dannyk13]

The old adage "Better safe than sorry" comes to mind

[EDDIE51]

In a case like this the cost of the amount of gas or electricity needed to cook them long enough to be edible is greater than the cost of throwing them away and buying new. A false economy in my opinion. They won't hurt you but the cost of cooking outweighs the cost of replacing them.

[diddlydo]

Dried pulses last for years - waste not, want not. They definitely won't kill you.

[ladyalex]

Just thought I would sign in and let everyone know that we are still alive and kicking.

And the chili tasted fine. Beans were a bit firmer than tinned ones but totally edible.

Think I'll pressure cook the rest then freeze them for later.
Thanks for all the advice.

[losgigs]

You could always use them for 'baking blind' pastry dishes, if you haven't already cooked them. Then they'll last indefinitely!

[RandyMarsh]

Dried beans last indefinitely if stored correctly, they are popular amongst preppers.