Knowing how long it takes to cook beans is essential to ensure soft and flavorful grains. The cooking time for beans can range from 25 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the method used, the pot chosen, and whether the beans were soaked beforehand.
In this article, you’ll get an overview of the bean cooking time, considering different scenarios and valuable tips to optimize the cooking process. Let’s explore all possibilities so you can nail the preparation of this delicacy so appreciated in Brazilian cuisine!
After all, How Long Does It Take to Cook Beans?
The cooking time for beans mainly varies depending on the type of pot used: pressure cooker or regular pot. Another crucial factor is whether the beans were soaked before cooking. Soaking beans not only speeds up cooking but also brings health benefits, such as reducing phytates that cause gas and hinder nutrient absorption.
Bean Cooking Time in the Pressure Cooker
The pressure cooker is the most traditional and fastest way to cook beans. With it, the cooking time is significantly shorter. If you cook the beans directly in the pressure cooker without prior soaking, the estimated time after reaching pressure is 35 to 45 minutes for the grains to become soft.
An important tip is, after 20 minutes under pressure, turn off the heat and check the texture of the grains. This allows greater control over the desired cooking point.
Bean Cooking Time in a Regular Pot
Cooking beans in a regular pot takes more time. The estimated time can reach up to 2 hours, depending on your stove’s power. Therefore, this method is less common daily, being more used on special occasions or by those who prefer slow cooking in a clay pot, for example, which brings a distinct flavor to the beans.
Cooking Time for Soaked Beans
Soaking beans considerably reduces the cooking time. If you soak the beans for 12 hours, the cooking time in the pressure cooker drops to about 25 minutes, while in a regular pot, it reduces to approximately 60 minutes.
How to Soak Beans Properly
Soaking beans for 12 hours before cooking provides benefits such as reducing cooking time and eliminating phytates, substances that harm nutrient absorption and cause gas. Follow the step-by-step:
- Place the beans in a glass or stainless steel bowl.
- For every 500g of beans, add 1 to 1.5 liters of water.
- Let soak for 12 hours.
- After this period, drain and discard the soaking water.
- The beans are ready to be cooked!
Tip to Speed Up Bean Cooking
A trick to cook beans faster is to take advantage of the residual heat in the pressure cooker. After the programmed cooking time (for example, 10 minutes), turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. During this time, the beans will continue cooking and will likely be soft when all the pressure is released.
Some people prepare beans this way in just 6 minutes! So, cook for 3 minutes after the pot reaches pressure, turn off and let the pressure exit on its own. Repeat this process once more, and your beans will be ready!
Conclusion: Soft and Flavorful Beans in Less Time!
Now you know how long it takes to cook beans and how to optimize the process! With these tips, you’ll prepare delicious, soft, perfectly cooked beans in a practical and efficient way. Also remember that the pressure cooker and soaking are great shortcuts for this recipe.
Thanks for joining and see you next time!
Image Source: small pot
