1 Put beans and barley in a large pot. Add onion, potatoes, meat and any of the optional ingredients. Fill with boiling water. 2 Season, cover, bring to a boil and then lower heat and allow to cook on very low heat until ready to serve. Cholent must be cooked at least 4 hours, but many people making this for Shabbat will put it in an oven on low heat from before Shabbat until lunch time.