How to Cook Beans in Instant Pot

How to cook beans in Instant Pot? Cooking beans and lentils at home is simple with an Instant Pot. It speeds up the process, and delivers perfectly cooked legumes every time. Follow these easy steps to make flavorful beans and lentils with minimal effort.

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Table of Contents

Step 1: Choose Your Beans or Lentils

Different beans and lentils require slightly different cooking times. Some of the most popular varieties include:

Black beans
Pinto beans
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Kidney beans
Navy beans
Green lentils
Red lentils
Brown lentils

Step 2: Rinse and Sort

Before cooking, rinse the beans and lentils thoroughly under cold water and remove any debris or damaged pieces.

Step 3: Decide on Soaking

While the Instant Pot allows you to cook unsoaked beans, soaking beans for 6-8 hours (or overnight) is recommended. This process helps reduce cooking time, improves digestibility, and minimizes compounds that can cause bloating. Lentils, however, do not require soaking.

Step 4: Add Ingredients

For every 1 cup of dried beans or lentils, add:

3 cups of water or broth (for beans)
2 cups of water or broth (for lentils)
1 teaspoon of salt (optional, to taste)
Aromatics like garlic, onion, or bay leaves for extra flavor

Step 5: Set the Instant Pot

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure. Cooking times vary based on the type:

Bean/Lentil Type	Soaked Cooking Time	Unsoaked Cooking Time
Black beans	8-10 minutes	25-30 minutes
Pinto beans	8-10 minutes	25-30 minutes
Chickpeas	12-15 minutes	35-40 minutes
Kidney beans	10-12 minutes	30-35 minutes
Navy beans	10 minutes	30 minutes
Green lentils	Not needed	9-12 minutes
Red lentils	Not needed	4-5 minutes
Brown lentils	Not needed	12-14 minutes

Step 6: Natural Release

Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Drain excess liquid and use the beans or lentils in your favorite recipes like soups, salads, and curries.

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FAQ

Q1. Do I need to soak beans before cooking them in the Instant Pot? Yes, soaking is recommended as it reduces cooking time, improves digestibility, and removes anti-nutrients.

Q2. Can I cook different types of beans together? Yes, but make sure they have similar cooking times to avoid uneven texture.

Q3. How do I prevent beans from foaming and clogging the Instant Pot? Avoid overfilling, add a teaspoon of oil, and do a natural pressure release.

Q4. Can I freeze cooked beans and lentils? Yes! Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Q5. What if my beans are still hard after cooking? Simply cook them for an additional 5-10 minutes on high pressure.