Kidney beans are a versatile and nutritious legume that can be a fantastic addition to various dishes. While many people are accustomed to using canned kidney beans for their convenience, cooking dried kidney beans from scratch can yield a more flavorful and cost-effective result. In this article, I will instruct you on how to cook kidney beans in 2 different ways are in Instant Pot and Crock Pot.
1. How To Cook Kidney Beans in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red kidney beans
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- Aromatics (garlic, onion, bay leaves, etc., optional)
Instructions
Rinse and Sort: Begin by rinsing the dried kidney beans under cold water, removing any debris or stones. This step is essential to ensure the beans are clean.
Soak the Beans (optional): While not mandatory, soaking the beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and make them more digestible. If you choose to soak, cover the beans with water in a bowl and let them sit overnight.
Instant Pot Setup: Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to the Instant Pot. Add water or broth, which should be about four times the volume of the beans. You can also add aromatics like garlic, onion, or bay leaves for additional flavor.
Pressure Cooking: Close the Instant Pot lid, ensure the vent is set to “Sealing,” and select the “Pressure Cook” or “Bean/Chili” function. Set the cooking time to 25-30 minutes, depending on the desired tenderness of the beans. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the countdown begins.
Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 15-20 minutes. Afterward, you can carefully switch the vent to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Seasoning: Open the Instant Pot lid and check the beans for tenderness. If they are not yet at the desired texture, you can pressure cook them for an additional few minutes. Add salt to taste and stir.
Serve: Your cooked red kidney beans are now ready to be used in various dishes. Drain any excess liquid before incorporating them into your recipes.
2. How To Cook Kidney Beans in Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red kidney beans
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- Aromatics (garlic, onion, bay leaves, etc., optional)
Instructions
Rinse and Sort: As with the Instant Pot method, begin by rinsing the dried kidney beans under cold water to remove any impurities.
Soak the Beans (optional): Soaking the beans can still be beneficial when using a Crock Pot. Follow the same soaking process as mentioned earlier.
Crock Pot Setup: Place the soaked and drained kidney beans in the Crock Pot. Add water or broth, ensuring there is enough liquid to cover the beans by about two inches. Add aromatics if desired.
Cooking: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on the low setting. Let the beans cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until they reach the desired tenderness. The low and slow cooking process allows the beans to absorb flavors and become tender.
Seasoning: Once the beans are fully cooked, add salt to taste and stir well.
Serve: Your slow-cooked red kidney beans are now ready to be used in various dishes. If there is excess liquid in the Crock Pot, you can drain it before incorporating the beans into other recipes.
By following these methods, you’ll have a delicious foundation for soups, stews, salads, and more. So, the next time you’re looking to add a protein-packed ingredient to your meals, consider cooking dried kidney beans using these convenient kitchen appliances.
