Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to cook black beans. Don't do anything else before reading this! Show
We'll walk you through helpful information and step-by-step instructions to guarantee perfect beans every time. Creamy, dreamy black beans cooked from scratchTable of Contents
📖 AboutIs it possible to write an ultimate guide on how to cook black beans? Well, you're about to find out just how much information there is to know. Beans are one of the most versatile, cheap, and easy-to-make foods on Earth (if you make them properly). Once you bite into a creamy, buttery black bean cooked from scratch, you'll realize what the hype is all about. Here's some black bean history for you:
HealthPrized for their extremely healthy makeup, black beans are packed with fiber (15g per cup), which is a nutrient most people are deficient in. Oh, and did we mention the protein content? In one cup, there is also 15g of plant-based protein! If you didn't already know, there are tons of different meals packed to the brim with protein from beans. Black beans are full of potassium(essential to keep your blood pressure healthy), rich in iron (helps your blood cells carry oxygen), and contain essential nutrients like copper, magnesium, and manganese (which statistically, you don't get enough of). Beans really are a "magical fruit"UsesBlack beans can be used a million different ways, but we'll give you a few ideas to spark your creativity. To start, use them whole in black bean soups, in tacos with pico de gallo, inside enchiladas, or with fajita veggies like we always do. Mash them up to use in black bean burgers (they make a great binder), black bean hummus, or black bean tortilla chips. Don't even get us started with refried beans! The options are endless. Dried vs cannedCooking beans from dry does take longer than just cracking open a can. So, why use dried over canned? Where to start... If you can find canned beans cheaper than dried beans, you're an anomaly. Cans are great for convenience, but that's about it. On average, canned beans are 2.5x more expensive. That really adds up, especially when you're using them as a base in so many recipes (like us). You also have no control over the sodium levels in canned beans, which contain up to 500mg per ½ cup. Home-cooking beans allows you to add only what you want based on your health needs. A lot of canned foods contain BPA, AKA Bisophenol A (mmm, sounds delicious). Exposure to this chemical has been shown to cause adverse health effects. If all that wasn't enough to convince you, home-cooked beans taste WAY BETTER! Seriously, way better. They turn buttery soft and slightly sweet. There is no comparison. Now for the best part... how to cook black beans that turn out perfectly from the comfort of your home! We always opt for dried black beans when possible⚖️ ConversionsWhile not exact, these conversions should give you a good starting point for cooking black beans:
🍽 EquipmentBefore you get started, you'll need to decide which cooking method to use. There are basically three options. All work well, but there are subtle differences in time needed, skill level, and overall taste and texture. StovetopThis is the longest (and our least preferred) method. It definitely requires a more hands-on approach. But, since practically everyone owns a pot, it is the most widely available choice. Electric pressure cookerIf you don't have time to wait around for your beans to cook, invest in a pressure cooker! There are two types you can purchase. The electric varieties, like Instant Pot, come with different cook settings and allow a set-it-and-forget-it approach. While we do appreciate the convenience of cooking black beans in an Instant Pot, it lands in second place to the version we'll talk about next. From personal experience, the bean consistency is not as reliable as cooking on the stove. Stovetop pressure cookerWe have a winner! Things really changed when we started using a stovetop pressure cooker. Not only can you find them significantly cheaper than the Instant Pots of the world, but our results are so much more consistent! Seriously, we love our stovetop pressure cooker. It requires some initial effort. You'll need to wait for pressure to build up over high-heat, then turn it down before going about your day (don't actually leave your house). This is what our pressure cooker looks like🔪 InstructionsIf you have any questions that aren't answered here, make sure to check out our FAQ all the way at the bottom of the page. Following all of these techniques will provide you with the creamiest, richest, most perfect black beans every time. Can you skip any of the steps? Sure you can, but don't expect premium quality. RinseFirst, rinse the beans in a colander to remove dirt. Then, sift through them to make sure there are no rocks or anything that can damage your teeth after cooking. SoakIf you know you're going to make beans in a regular pot, ensure you soak them beforehand since it can drastically reduce the cook time. There are three options for soaking: Overnight soak: put the beans in a container full of water about 2-3 inches over the beans (to allow room for expansion). It's best to let them soak for 12 hours or so. The next day, drain and rinse your beans before cooking. Quick soak: if you're pressed for time, fill a pot with water and your beans. Bring the water to a boil for about 2-3 minutes, then take it off the heat. Let the beans sit in the water for 2 hours, which will help them soften. Note: if you use this method, your beans may not stay whole during the cooking process. No soak: if you are pressure cooking the beans, soaking is not a requirement. What great news for forgetful people (like us) because you can skip the 12 hours and end up with perfectly cooked beans in an hour (the skins may be more likely to split, but it's purely an aesthetic thing). While we haven't found any differences in our digestion regarding soaking versus not soaking, some people find it does help. If that's the case, do what you gotta do! Soaking won't hurt, plus it will also cut down your pressure cooking time. The amount of cooking water you'll needStovetop cookingStep 1: add your beans to the pot, cover with 3-4 inches of water, put a lid on, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir and reduce to a low simmer. Step 2: stir on occasion to ensure there are no beans that stick to the pot. Depending on how old your beans are they can take longer to cook. The whole process can take from 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete. Step 3: taste taste your beans during the cooking process. If they're soft and creamy, that means they're done. Note: if your beans are looking dry, add in more hot water to keep the temperature even. Stovetop pressure cookerStep 1: before starting, check that the rubber is intact along the inner portion of the pressure cooker lid. Step 2: add your beans to the pot and cover with 2-3 inches of water. Make sure you don't fill the pressure cooker more than a total of halfway for safety reasons. Step 3: put the lid on, double-checking it's in the locked position and the valve is down. Set your stove to high until you hear a "hissing" noise coming from the pressure release valve. Step 4: turn the heat down to low and start your timer for 40 minutes (total time may vary slightly from brand-to-brand). Once the time is up, turn your stove off and allow the pressure cooker to naturally release. Note: get to know where the safety features are on your personal stovetop pressure cooker as they all differ slightly (see ours above for reference). Power Pressure Cooker XLElectric pressure cookerStep 1: add your beans to the pot and cover with 2-3 inches of water. As with the stovetop cooker, make sure you don't go past the "max fill line." Step 2: put the lid on, making sure the pressure valve is closed. Set your pressure cooker for 30 minutes on high power. Once the timer goes off, allow your pressure cooker to naturally release. Note: all pressure cookers are made slightly different, so it's best to read your manual for the most accurate instructions and cook times. Our experience is with Instant Pot and Power Pressure Cooker XL (both reliable). 🌡️ StorageDried: these can be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. If you buy new beans, don't mix them with older ones since the cook time changes the more they sit. Fridge: once cooked, black beans will keep in the fridge for up to 5-6 days in an airtight container. If they smell good past this, they should still be okay to eat. Freezer: allow the black beans to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Cover them with the cooking liquid, and store in your freezer for up to 6 months (but, 3 months is ideal). Note: if you are using freezer bags, remove all air and store them flat to save space. If you are using containers or jars, leave some room at the top for expansion. If you want to play it safe, freeze the containers with the lids loosened initially, then tighten them once frozen. Reheating: thaw the frozen beans in your fridge overnight, in a bowl of cold water, defrost them in the microwave, or cook them from frozen if the recipe allows for it. Meal Prep: we always have a batch of beans on-hand for quick, easy, and cheap meals. Once we run out of beans, we throw on another pot. This really saves time, especially for busy households. Store beans in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags💭 Pro tipsTime to share our tips and tricks we've learned over the years of cooking black beans:
🍴 Tasting notesWe love cooking beans at home and (with the help of this post) you will too! They're:
If you try cooking beans at home, please rate this guide and leave us a comment below! Want to stay up-to-date with new recipes? Subscribe to our newsletter or connect with Broke Bank Vegan on social media. Happy eating! 📋 RecipeHow to Perfectly Cook Black BeansIf you're looking for the perfect way to cook black beans, you'll find what you need here. We cover methods for regular pots, and both electric and stovetop pressure cookers. Prepare to be amazed at how creamy and delicious home-cooked beans can be! Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 40 mins Release time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr Course How-to, Side Dish Cuisine Central American, Gluten-Free, South American, Vegan Servings 12 servings Calories 114 kcal
Stovetop
Stovetop pressure cooker
Electric pressure cooker
Serving: 0.5cups | Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 20.4g | Protein: 7.6g | Fat: 0.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 0.9mg | Potassium: 305.3mg | Fiber: 7.5g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 5.2IU | Calcium: 23.2mg | Iron: 1.8mg Subscribe to our newsletter! ♻️ Black bean recipesFor some tasty dishes to use black beans in, check out our:
💬 FAQShould I soak my black beans? It depends on the method of cooking you choose. If you are using a regular pot, we recommend soaking the beans for 8-12 hours. If you are using a pressure cooker, it's not 100% necessary unless you're experiencing digestion issues. Do I add salt before, during, or after? Season with salt after the beans are done because it can alter the way they cook. Is the pressure cooker better than the stove top? Not necessarily! Our preferred method is the stovetop pressure cooker because our end result is always consistent. However, the best method is the one you'll actually use. If you want to set it and forget it, cook your black beans in an electric pressure cooker. If you have lots of time, use a pot on the stove. Or if you have a stovetop pressure cooker, you already know how amazing they are! Will black beans make me gassy? Beans have a bad reputation for causing digestive problems. This is because they contain a type of carbohydrate, called raffinose. By cooking beans properly, you can avoid a lot of these problems. I cooked my beans properly, but I'm still having digestive issues. What did I do wrong? If you are coming from a diet that's low in fiber, the increase (from beans and other plant foods) will cause a major shift in your digestive system. Start slow and work your way up to eating more beans. Also, some people find soaking beans helps their digestibility. How long does it take to boil dried black beans?Bring to a boil, turn heat to low, lid and simmer covered checking occassionally to make sure the beans are still covered in water.. Soaked, Cook the Beans for 45-60 Minutes.. Unsoaked, Cook the Beans for 50-65 Minutes.. Do you have to soak dry black beans before cooking?NOTE: black beans don't absolutely need to be presoaked before cooking, however I always soak them for three reasons - it speeds up the cook time, helps the beans to cook more evenly, and makes them easier to digest.
How do you cook dried beans on the stove?Stovetop Instructions
Place beans in a large pot; cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer gently until beans are tender but firm. Most beans will cook in 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the variety.
Do you simmer black beans with the lid on or off?Do not cover. Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Continue simmering for two minutes. Remove from heat.
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