Three beans, three cans: You'll need one each of pinto, kidney, and black beans, plus canned fire-roasted corn and tomatoes ...

In a large pot, combine beans with 4 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 60–90 minutes, or until tender. Add salt in the last 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

For tender, intact beans, this reliable method cannot be beat.

New Orleanians ate red beans and rice on Mondays because it was laundry day, and they cooked their red beans on the stove while the wash water heated. Or maybe it’s because they needed to use the ...