Cooking beans in a pressure cooker is a game-changer for anyone who loves legumes but dreads the long cooking times. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or just want to save time in the kitchen, pressure cooking beans delivers tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove. Ready to learn how to cook beans in a pressure cooker? Let’s dive into this easy, foolproof method!
Why Use a Pressure Cooker for Beans?
Pressure cookers work by trapping steam, which raises the internal pressure and temperature, cooking food faster and more evenly. For beans, this means you get creamy, perfectly cooked beans without soaking overnight or simmering for hours. Plus, it’s energy-efficient and locks in flavor better than traditional methods.
What You’ll Need
– Dried beans (any variety you like: pinto, black, navy, chickpeas, kidney, etc.)
– Water (enough to cover the beans by a couple of inches)
– Optional seasonings: garlic, onion, bay leaf, herbs, salt (added after cooking)
– Pressure cooker (electric or stovetop)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Beans in a Pressure Cooker
1. Sort and Rinse Your Beans
Start by spreading your dried beans on a flat surface to remove any stones, debris, or damaged beans. Then rinse them thoroughly under cold water to wash away dust and dirt.
2. Soak or Skip Soaking?
Soaking beans overnight in plenty of water helps reduce cooking time and can make them easier to digest by reducing gas-producing compounds. However, soaking is optional with a pressure cooker-if you’re short on time, you can cook unsoaked beans; just expect longer cooking times.
3. Add Beans and Water to the Pressure Cooker
Place your rinsed (and soaked, if you chose) beans in the pressure cooker. Add water so it covers the beans by about 2 to 3 inches. For every cup of dried beans, use about 3 to 4 cups of water. You can also add aromatics like garlic cloves, onion pieces, or a bay leaf for extra flavor.
4. Seal and Cook
Secure the lid according to your pressure cooker’s instructions. For electric pressure cookers (like an Instant Pot), select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on high pressure.
– If soaked: Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.
– If unsoaked: Cook for 25 to 30 minutes.
For stovetop pressure cookers, bring the cooker up to high pressure (usually indicated by a steady steam release or a pressure indicator popping up), then start timing. Cooking times vary by bean type but generally range from 4 to 7 minutes for soaked beans, and up to 30 minutes for unsoaked.
5. Natural Pressure Release
Once cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before doing a quick release to let out any remaining pressure. This helps the beans finish cooking gently and prevents splitting.
6. Season and Serve
Add salt and any additional seasonings after cooking. Salting beans before cooking can toughen their skins, so it’s best to season at the end. Now your beans are ready to enjoy in salads, soups, tacos, or as a hearty side.
Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooker Beans
– Don’t overfill: Never fill your pressure cooker more than halfway with beans and water to allow space for expansion and pressure buildup.
– Experiment with flavors: Add smoked meats, chili powder, cumin, or herbs during cooking for a flavor boost.
– Use natural release: This prevents beans from breaking apart and helps them stay creamy.
– Adjust for altitude: If you live at high altitude, increase cooking time slightly to ensure beans are tender.
Quick Cooking Times for Common Beans (High Pressure, Natural Release)
| Bean Type | Soaked Beans (minutes) | Unsoaked Beans (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Pinto, Black, Navy | 4-7 | 25-30 |
| Kidney, Cannellini | 5-8 | 30-35 |
| Chickpeas | 10-15 | 40-45 |
Why You’ll Love Pressure Cooker Beans
– Speed: From hours to minutes.
– Flavor: Beans cook in their own juices, intensifying taste.
– Convenience: Less monitoring than stovetop methods.
– Versatility: Use beans in countless dishes from chili to salads.
Cooking beans in a pressure cooker is a simple, efficient way to enjoy nutritious, delicious legumes without the wait. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this handy kitchen shortcut!