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how to cook beans in a pressure cooker

How to Cook Pulses in a Pressure Cooker

Course: Entrees
Difficulty: Easy
Occasion: Instant Pot
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Ingredients

  • Dry Pulses
  • Water

Instructions

Lentils & Peas

  1. Lentils and peas do not require pre-soaking.

  2. Add dry pulses and water to the pressure cooker. For every 1 cup of dry lentils or peas, use 2 cups of water (or ensure the dry pulses are covered with 2” of water).

  3.  Cook on low pressure for 10-15 min.

  4. Let the pressure release naturally.

  5. Drain and use in a recipe or store in an air-tight container.

    Tips: Do not fill the pressure cooker more than halfway, as the ingredients will expand. Pressure cooking is not recommended for red lentils.

Beans & Chickpeas

  1. For best results and shorter cook times, it’s recommended that you pre-soak beans and chickpeas before pressure cooking; see the quick soak guide below.

  2. Add dry pulses and water to the pressure cooker

    - Soaked pulses: For every 1 cup of dry beans or chickpeas, use 1 cup of water

    - Un-soaked pulses: For every 1 cup of dry beans or chickpeas, use 2 cups of water

  3.  Cook on high pressure for the following times

    - Black beans, Black-Eyed Peas, Red Beans, Small White (Navy): Soaked: 5-8 min, Un-soaked: 15-25min.

    - Kidney, Pinto, Large White (Great Northern, Cannellini), Lima beans: Soaked: 7-12 min, Un-soaked: 20-40 min.

    - Chickpeas: Soaked: 7-12 min, Un-soaked: 20-40min.

  4. Let the pressure release naturally.

  5. If storing cooked beans or chickpeas in the fridge or freezer, keep the pulses covered in their cooking liquid to prevent drying.

    Tips: Do not fill the pressure cooker more than halfway, as the ingredients will expand. Times may vary slightly depending on the age and size of the pulse.

Pressure Cooker Quick-Soak Guide for Beans & Chickpeas

  1. Rinse and drain the beans or chickpeas.

  2. Add them to the pressure cooker with 3 cups water for every cup of beans or chickpeas.

  3. Bring to a boil using “Saute” function. Add the lid and cook for 1 minute on high pressure.

  4. Carefully release pressure manually and release the lid. Drain & rinse.

  5.  Continue to the cooking step, following the instructions above.