Canned beans will do in a pinch, however we prefer dry as they cost less and you aren’t adding any chemicals or preservatives that may be in the cans. Beans are a near perfect health food, low in fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, iron and folic acid. If you go with canned, you can save the first two hours of cooking time in the general recipe. Slow down and enjoy watching your creation develop over three hours. Go with dry - it feels like you’ve accomplished something.