Welcome to my other post from Kitchen Basics. In today’s post, we’ll explore how to cook dried and soaked kidney beans using an Instant Pot. Cooking beans at home is easy with my detailed instant pot recipe and step-by-step photos.
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What are kidney beans?
Kidney beans, named for their distinctive shape resembling a human kidney, are common beans native to Central America and Mexico.
They are a popular ingredient in various cuisines worldwide, known for their deep, red color and hearty texture.
Types of kidney beans
Kidney beans vary in color, pattern, and size. The most common types are red kidney beans (the top left one in the image below) and speckled kidney beans (the bottom right one in the picture below).
Speckled beans cook into a soft and buttery texture more quickly than others. White kidney beans, or Cannellini Beans, are larger and have a creamy texture.
Why you should cook kidney beans at home
Canned beans are convenient, but cooking beans at home is so rewarding.
- Cooking kidney beans at home is cost-effective and free from preservatives.
- It allows you to control the flavors, seasoning them as you like and adjusting their texture to suit your preference, whether firmer beans for salads or softer for soups.
- Using an electric pressure cooker, like the Instant Pot, I cook kidney beans in bulk and store them for weekday meals.
Benefits of Soaking Beans
While soaking is optional, I recommend an overnight soak for kidney beans.
- Soaking reduces cooking time.
- It improves texture and flavor. It yields uniformly cooked beans every time.
- It helps clean the beans more thoroughly.
How long to soak kidney beans
Soak beans for at least 8 hours or overnight, increasing their volume significantly. After soaking, discard the soaking water and rinse the beans well to remove any foam.
How to cook Kidney Beans in Instant Pot
Instant Pot is my preferred method to cook beans as the cooking process is easy and will yield delicious beans in no time.
Prep the Beans
Rinse the kidney beans under cold water to remove any dirt. Then, soak them overnight or for about 8 hours. After soaking, drain and rinse again.
Cook the Beans
Add the soaked and rinsed kidney beans to the Instant Pot.
Pour enough water to cover the beans, adding salt and a bay leaf for flavor. For the exact water quantity, please check the recipe card.
Set the Instant Pot
Secure the lid and set the valve to a sealing position. Choose the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ setting. For soaked beans, set the timer to 10 minutes at high pressure. For dry beans, adjust the time to 40 minutes.
Natural Release
After the pressure cooking cycle finishes, switch off the Instant Pot. And allow the pressure to release naturally. This method helps maintain the beans’ texture and prevents them from becoming too mushy.
Check and Serve
Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid carefully. The beans should be tender yet hold their shape. Drain any excess water, and cooked beans are ready to use in your recipes.
You will enjoy my Kitchen Basics category, where you will find reliable and easy cooking guides based on my practical cooking experience. These include basic techniques for everyday foods like rice, beans, black-eyed peas, millet, and sauces with detailed step-by-step photos.
Stovetop Instructions
For those without an Instant Pot, cooking kidney beans on the stovetop is just as simple. Add the beans and water to a large pot and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that forms. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on the texture. Add more water if needed and season with salt towards the end.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Cooking kidney beans, whether you’re aiming for a side dish or the base for a hearty main, can be simple and rewarding. Here are some tips to ensure you get perfectly cooked beans every time.
- Quick Release vs. Natural Release: Allow for a natural pressure release in your Instant Pot for the best texture. A quick release might leave your beans a bit undercooked.
- Seasoning: Adding bay leaves or a bit of olive oil can make a huge difference in flavor. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic, onion, or vegetable broth instead of water for an extra flavor boost.
- Water Ratio: Ensuring you have enough water is crucial. A general rule is using about 4 to 5 cups of water for every cup of dry beans. Adjust as needed to ensure the beans are fully submerged.
- Salt: Adding a bit of salt before cooking can enhance the flavor.
- Cooking Time: Keep in mind that the cooking time can vary based on the kind of beans and whether they’re soaked. Dry kidney beans will take longer than soaked ones. Also, older beans require a longer cooking time. Increase the cooking time for a minute or two for a little mushy beans.
- Cooking Liquid: I store the cooking liquid in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and use it while making soups, pilafs, and refried beans. You can freeze the residual cooking water for up to 3 months.
Storage
Cooked kidney beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for six months. Ensure they’re cooled down and drained well before storing them in airtight containers. This method keeps the beans fresh and ready for your next meal.
Store this drained water and cooked kidney beans separately in the refrigerator and use them. In this way, beans will not spoil quickly.
As shown below, I always measure the beans and store them in steel containers according to my meal size. I also freeze them in the same containers. You can measure and store the cooked beans in freezer-safe containers and thaw them when needed.
Recipes to use cooked kidney beans
With your kidney beans cooked, you’re all set to explore delicious recipes. From hearty soups to vibrant salads, kidney beans add nutrition and flavor to any dish. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate them into your meals.
FAQ
Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quick solution, rinse under hot water.
If your plans change, drain the beans, store them in an airtight container, and refrigerate. They’ll be good for up to two days.
They should be tender but still hold their shape. If they’re too firm, they need more cooking time. If they start to become mushy, they’ve been overcooked.
Yes, you can double the recipe in a 6-quart Instant Pot as long as you don’t exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. Adjust the amount of water accordingly.
While some people use baking soda to soften beans faster, it’s not necessary. I prefer not to use it to keep the beans’ natural flavor intact.
Next time, before buying a can of beans, try this recipe. Cooking kidney beans in an Instant Pot or stovetop is a simple way to add nutrition and flavor to your meals.
The possibilities are endless, whether you prefer your beans in a chili, as a side dish with white rice, or mashed into refried beans. The key to perfect beans is patience and a bit of experimentation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
If you like this Instant Pot kidney beans recipe and want to try other basic recipes, please check them out!
Have you tried this recipe? Provide your feedback by giving a star rating and/or leaving comments. And don’t forget to share the recipe with others on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.
Recipe
Instant Pot Kidney Beans (Dried & Soaked)
Learn how to cook soaked and dried kidney beans effortlessly in your Instant Pot with this simple guide.
Rate this recipe by clicking the stars!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup kidney beans dried
- 2 cups water 4 cups if cooking dried beans
- ½ teaspoon Salt optional
Instructions
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Prep the Beans: Rinse the kidney beans under cold water to remove dirt or debris. Then, soak them overnight or for about 8 hours. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again.
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Add the rinsed kidney beans into the Instant Pot inner pot.
1 cup kidney beans, ½ teaspoon Salt, 2 cups water
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Add water and salt. And close the Instant Pot with its lid.
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Start the instant Pot in manual or pressure cook mode and cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes for soaked beans.
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Select the manual or pressure cook option and set the timer for 40 minutes on high pressure to cook dried beans.
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Once the Instant Pot turns off, wait 15 minutes and manually release the pressure. You can do a natural pressure release as well.
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Perfectly tender beans are ready to use in your favorite recipes!
Notes
Nutrition values are my rough estimates. Please feel free to use your calculator if you rely on them for your diet.
Nutrition
Calories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 297mgPotassium: 178mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
