How do I cook dried beans?
Part of our Ultimate Guide to Cooking Techniques. Click to see more answers to your questions.
There are several ways to cook dried beans. Here’s a general guide with some options:
All methods require the beans to be rinsed first. Place the beans in a colander and rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. The cooking times in all methods will depend on the type of beans and their age; older beans may take longer to cook. Check the beans for doneness by mashing a few against the side of the pot and tasting periodically. See time guide below*
The traditional method stovetop method
requires the most advance planning, as beans must be soaked first.
There are two methods for soaking beans:
- Place the beans in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then remove the pot from the heat and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
- Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
- Drain and rinse the beans with cold water once the beans have finished soaking. Cook the beans in a pot with enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the beans simmer, uncovered, until they are tender.
The Instant Pot
makes cooking beans super-easy. After rinsing the beans you may want to soak to reduce cooking time, but it’s not necessary. Use overnight soak in a bowl as above or quick soak in the Instant Pot for an hour after 1 minute on the “Bean/Chili” setting.
- Place the beans in the Instant Pot and add enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Close the lid and set to the “Bean/Chili” setting for the appropriate cooking time for the type of beans you are using. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific brand and model of Instant Pot when cooking dried beans. Some types of beans may require longer cooking times or may need to be cooked on a different setting.
- Release the pressure: Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure from the Instant Pot according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A traditional stovetop or electric Pressure Cooker works like the Instant Pot.
- Place the beans in the pressure cooker and add enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Close the pressure cooker and bring it to high pressure over medium-high heat. Cook the beans for the appropriate amount of time for the type of beans you are using.
*General guidelines and cooking times
may vary depending on factors such as the age of the beans, the hardness of the water you are using, and the altitude at which you are cooking. Always check for doneness by tasting the beans and determining if they have reached the desired level of tenderness.
STOVETOP COOKING Soak 8-12 hours. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer.
- Black beans: 1-2 hours
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans): 1.5-2 hours
- Great Northern beans: 1-1.5 hours
- Kidney beans: 1-1.5 hours
- Lentils: 20-30 minutes
- Lima beans: 1-1.5 hours
- Navy beans: 1-1.5 hours
- Pinto beans: 1-1.5 hours
INSTANT POT / PRESSURE COOKING on high pressure with natural release.
- Black beans: 20-25 minutes
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans): 35-40 minutes
- Great Northern beans: 25-30 minutes
- Kidney beans: 25-30
- Lentils: Do not need to be soaked, 5-7 minutes
- Lima beans: 20-25 minutes
- Navy beans: 25-30 minutes
- Pinto beans: 25-30 minutes
Tips:
- You may add an onion and/or bay leaf or piece of kombu to the cooking liquid.
- Once the beans are tender, drain off the cooking liquid. You can save some of the cooking liquid and use it in place of water or broth for a recipe that calls for liquid. Season as desired with herbs, spices, or salt and pepper.
- You can refrigerate or freeze the beans to use in future meals.
