Cooking Methods

STOVETOP METHOD

Cooking beans on the stove with your favorite recipe and favorite pot is a timeless way to go. It can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to cook beans on the stove and the key is patience. You’ll place the beans in the bot, cover with water, and bring the beans to a boil. Once the water is at a boil, you’ll want to simmer the beans. If it seems to be taking a long time, you’re not doing anything wrong, the beans just need more time. Whatever you do, don’t increase the heat because it will just mush up the beans before they actually get cooked through. Once the beans are done serve with your favorite dish and enjoy.

PRESSURE COOKER METHOD

Fill the pot with the desired amount of beans and then cover completely with water or stock. To reduce foaming, add 1 tablespoon of oil per cup of beans. Soaked beans will usually cook in 3 to 14 minutes depending on their variety, size and age. If the beans are not done when you open the cooker, finish the job on the stove.

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MICROWAVE METHOD

For soaking, place one pound of beans in a 5-quart glass container and add 8 cups of water. Cover and cook at full power for 8-10 minutes or until boiling. Let stand for one hour or longer, stirring occasionally, and then drain completely and discard water.

To cook the beans, add 6-8 cups of fresh hot water. Cover and cook at full power for 8-10 minutes or until boiling. Then reduce power 50% and cook another 15-20 minutes or until beans are tender. Please note: the microwave is not the preferred cooking or soaking method for beans.

SLOW COOKER METHOD

Slow Cookers are a convenient, and often healthy, way to cook dry beans. However, remember that beans still need to be soaked or boiled prior to cooking in the slow cooker. Cooking in the slow cooker allows for a low slow heat, which is the best for beans.

You’ll want to place in the slow cooker, if you’re using a 3/12 quart or less, it’s best to stick with about 1 pound, for anything bigger 2 pounds should work fine. Once you add the beans to the slow cooker add water that covers the beans about 2 inches and cook for 6 to 8 hours on low. Some varieties cook faster than others so towards the end be sure to check on the beans, so you don’t overcook them.

INSTANT POT METHOD

If you have one, Instant Pot is a great way to cook beans and a tremendous time saver. Check out this Cooking Time Table from Instant Pot on how long to cook your beans.

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We’re Ready to Spill The Beans.

We are all about our beans and we love sharing our knowledge with the world. That’s why we have created dedicated sections on our website to help you get the most out of these delicious vegetables.