To soften soya beans, the most effective method is soaking them in water for an extended period.
The Soaking Method
Soaking is the primary way to soften dry soya beans, making them easier to cook and digest. This process rehydrates the beans, which are very dense and hard in their dry state.
Steps for Soaking Soya Beans
Follow these simple steps to properly soften your soya beans:
- Rinse the Beans: Start by rinsing the dry soya beans under cool running water. This removes any dust or debris.
- Place in a Container: Put the rinsed beans into a large bowl or pot.
- Add Water: Soak the beans in enough water to cover the beans. Use a generous amount of water, as the beans will absorb a significant volume and expand considerably. A good rule of thumb is to use about 3 times the volume of water to the volume of beans.
- Soaking Time: Soak the beans for 6-8 hours or overnight. This soaking time is a bit longer than for other types of beans due to the soya bean's density.
- Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the water and rinse the softened beans thoroughly with fresh water.
The beans are now ready for cooking, whether you plan to boil them, use them for making soy milk, tofu, or other dishes.
Why Soaking is Important
Soaking helps to:
- Rehydrate the beans: This is essential for softening.
- Reduce cooking time: Soaked beans cook much faster than dry ones.
- Improve digestibility: Soaking can help reduce some of the compounds that can cause digestive discomfort.
Methods to Avoid
While some beans can be softened quickly, the quick soak method of brining to a boil then let sit for an hour method to speed up cooking does not work well with soybeans. For best results and thorough softening, stick to the long soaking method.
In summary, soaking is the standard and most reliable way to soften soya beans before cooking.
