When cooking dry beans in an Instant Pot, using the right amount of water is important for ensuring the beans turn out properly cooked. Not enough water can lead to undercooked or crunchy beans, while too much water will make the beans mushy.
The Basic Formula
As a general rule of thumb, you should use a 3:1 water-to-bean ratio when cooking dried beans in an Instant Pot. This means using 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of dried beans.
For example, if you are cooking 1 cup of dried beans, you would add 3 cups of water. For 2 cups of beans, use 6 cups of water. This 3:1 ratio typically provides enough water for the beans to cook evenly and become tender.
Adjusting the Water Amount
While the 3:1 ratio is a good starting point, you may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the type and age of the beans you are using.
Older beans or beans that have been stored for a long time generally require more water because they tend to be drier. Certain bean varieties like chickpeas may also need more water than other bean types.
Here are some guidelines for adjusting the water amount beyond the basic ratio:
- Add 1/4 cup extra water for older or drier beans
- Use a 4:1 ratio for chickpeas or split peas
- Reduce water by 1/4 cup for freshly harvested beans
You can always check the consistency of the beans after cooking and adjust the water amount as needed for future batches. The beans should be fully tender but not bursting or overcooked.
Using the Instant Pot’s Bean Function
Many Instant Pot models have a preset “Bean” function that automatically sets the cooking time and pressure level. If using this function, you typically only need to add the 3:1 water-to-bean ratio and press start.
The bean function accounts for the extra cooking time beans usually require. However, it’s still a good idea to check the beans for doneness and adjust the water as needed.
Allowing for Evaporation
Some of the liquid will evaporate during the pressurized cooking process in the Instant Pot. To account for this, you may want to add a bit more water than the basic 3:1 ratio.
As a general guideline, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra water to allow for evaporation. This helps ensure the beans won’t dry out.
Cooking Different Bean Types
While the 3:1 water ratio works for most bean varieties, a few types may require more or less water:
| Bean Type | Water Ratio |
|---|---|
| Black beans | 3:1 |
| Pinto beans | 3:1 |
| Navy beans | 3:1 |
| Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) | 4:1 |
| Split peas | 4:1 |
| Lentils | 2:1 |
| Black-eyed peas | 3:1 |
| Kidney beans | 3:1 |
| Lima beans | 3:1 |
| Cannellini beans | 3:1 |
As shown, chickpeas, split peas and lentils deviate from the standard 3:1 ratio. Check any recipe for specific bean types to see if a ratio adjustment is needed.
Cooking Times for Beans
Cooking times can vary depending on the type and age of beans, but here are some general guidelines for cooking common beans in the Instant Pot:
| Bean Type | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Black beans | 25-30 minutes |
| Pinto beans | 25-30 minutes |
| Navy beans | 25-30 minutes |
| Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) | 28-40 minutes |
| Split peas | 20 minutes |
| Lentils | 7 minutes |
| Black-eyed peas | 18-25 minutes |
| Kidney beans | 25-30 minutes |
| Lima beans | 10 minutes |
| Cannellini beans | 25-30 minutes |
For most beans, the cooking time on high pressure will be between 20-30 minutes. Lentils and split peas cook faster compared to other beans.
Tips for Cooking Beans
Here are some additional tips for cooking perfect beans in the Instant Pot every time:
- Pick over beans and rinse them before cooking
- Soak beans for 8-12 hours before cooking to reduce gas and shorten cooking time
- Add aromatics like onion, garlic, or herbs for flavor
- Stir in a tablespoon of oil to help prevent foaming
- Season beans after cooking for best flavor
- Use natural pressure release method before opening lid
- Check beans for tenderness and adjust water amount as needed
- Store cooked beans in their liquid in the fridge up to 5 days
Conclusion
Using the right amount of water is crucial when cooking beans in the Instant Pot. The basic formula is a 3:1 water-to-bean ratio. However, adjustments may be needed based on bean type, age and personal preference.
Add more water for older, drier beans or varieties like chickpeas. Allow for some evaporation during pressurized cooking too. Refer to cooking time guides by bean variety, and check beans for doneness before serving.
With the proper bean to water ratio and cooking times, your Instant Pot dried beans will turn out perfectly cooked every time.