To drain or not to drain, that is the question?

[josephlapusata]

When making chili, do you hounds drain and wash your beans or do you just dump them in? I have done it both ways and, I really can't tell the difference.

[Janet from Richmond]

I drain them and rinse. If I need additional liquid I'll use stock or beer (for chili).

[Ruthie789]

I wash the beans, it is supposed to help the digestability of them. Lately have been seeing chefs on the food network not draining them however.

[todao]

Canned beans contain a lot of salt so straining and rinsing them allows you more control over the seasoning in your recipe.

[josephlapusata]

Yes canned beans.

[sandylc]

Are you talking about canned beans? If so, I always rinse them because the stuff on them is slimy and salty. I usually use dried ones, though. I cook them in water in a separate pot alongside my simmering chili, then throw them into the chili when they're done.