How To Cook Beans In The Instant Pot

How To Cook Beans In The Instant Pot

Beans are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Cooking beans in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare them, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking beans in the Instant Pot, ensuring perfectly cooked beans every time! So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Choose Your Beans

The first step is to choose your beans. Whether you prefer kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, or any other variety, make sure to sort through them and remove any debris or stones. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water before cooking.

Step 2: Soak Your Beans (optional)

While it’s not necessary to soak beans before cooking them in the Instant Pot, it can help to shorten the cooking time and improve digestibility. If you choose to soak your beans, place them in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Don’t forget to drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Instant Pot

Ensure that the Instant Pot is clean and in good working condition. Place the inner pot into the Instant Pot base and add the soaked or unsoaked beans. Add enough liquid to cover the beans (about 2 inches above the beans). You can use water, broth, or any other flavorful liquid of your choice.

Step 4: Set the Cooking Time

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting, depending on your Instant Pot model. Use the +/- buttons to adjust the cooking time. As a general guideline, most beans require 20-25 minutes of cooking time at high pressure.

Step 5: Let the Pressure Release Naturally

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Avoid quick release as it may cause the beans to become mushy or undercooked.

Step 6: Open the Instant Pot

Carefully open the Instant Pot lid once the pressure has completely released. You’ll be greeted with a steamy pot of perfectly cooked beans!

Step 7: Season and Enjoy

Season the cooked beans according to your taste preferences. You can add salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or any other ingredients to enhance the flavor. Serve the beans as a side dish, add them to soups, stews, salads, or use them as a filling for tacos and burritos. The possibilities are endless!

Tips and Tricks

• For unsoaked beans, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Add aromatics like onion, garlic, bay leaves, or dried herbs to infuse additional flavors into the beans.
• For a creamy texture, cook the beans for a longer time or use the “Bean/Chili” preset on your Instant Pot.
• If you’re short on time, consider using the “Quick Soak” function on your Instant Pot to expedite the soaking process.

Now that you know how to cook beans in the Instant Pot, you can easily incorporate them into your favorite recipes. Say goodbye to canned beans and hello to flavorful, homemade beans cooked to perfection. Give it a try and enjoy the wholesome goodness of freshly cooked beans!

For more delicious Instant Pot recipes and cooking tips, stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts. Happy cooking!