How to Cook Dried Beans

Got a bag of beans?

Here’s how to cook them properly on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker or slow cooker.

You also control the sodium in dried beans, so they can be healthier too.

They also last a long time in your pantry.

So, got a bag of beans?

Here’s how to prepare and cook them.

How Long Do Dried Beans Last?

Dried beans are best used within a year or two of purchase.

Younger beans typically cook faster than older ones.

Soaking beans before cooking helps them to cook more evenly and cuts down on the total cooking time.

So if you’ve planned ahead, soak them.

If you don’t have time, skip the soaking, but plan to cook the beans longer.

Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Bring to a boil.

Boil for 2 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour; drain.

Bring to a boil, skimming of any foam that rises to the surface.

Add salt to taste.

Pressure cookers like Instant Pots were made for dried beans.

Place (drained) soaked beans in a 4-quart or larger pressure cooker.

Add 3 cups water and 1 tablespoon oil for each cup of beans.

Secure the lid and bring to high pressure over high heat.

Reduce heat to lowest setting that maintains high pressure and cook until tender.

Suggested timing:

Let pressure release naturally before removing the lid.

Add 5 cups boiling water.

Add salt to taste; cook 15 minutes more.

Check out these recipes with dried beans for ideas.

And keep in mind that you could use cooked dried beans in place of canned in any recipe.

Check out all of ourbean recipesfor tons of ideas.