[Lardman]

Kidney and haricot beans to be specific.

They're heading to the slow cooker for a long cook bean casserole (all day sort of thing), do I still need to soak, wash and boil them as per packet destructions ?

[mumofstig]

Both types need soaking and the Red kidney beans need 10mins boiling as well 

[Lardman]

  In that case I better go and double the quantities to save messing about next time.

[Trillium]

And be sure to tip out the soaking water several times. This will help minimize flatulence later.

[Kleftiwallah]

Trillium,  you take away all the fun!

Cheers,   Tony.

[Trillium]

Trust me, as someone in near proximity, I'm doing myself a huge favour 

[Trillium]

Just in case anyone is interested, I've come across a supposedly gas-free method for eating beans. After you soak and drain the beans, add the needed water for the amount of beans, then add 1/4 tsp of ajwain per 2 cups of beans that will be cooked. Generally 1 cup of dried beans yields 2 cups cooked, so you'd add 1/4 tsp ajwain to the cooking water.

Ajwain is available through most Indian shops and adds a very slight thyme taste but greatly reduces flatulence.

[Lardman]

I've never had a problem with beans that way - you're all safe. 

By the time all was said and done I had 6 pints of beans (oops), they were in the slow cooker for just under 24 hours with onions, some toms, garlic and mixed herbs. I used ½ as a base for my pork-n-beans and the rest is in the freezer for next time. 

Much better tasting than the tinned versions - but not exactly a quick meal. I'll be adding butter beans and bean beans to the next soaking.