Cook beans in an Instant Pot without soaking

Add rinsed (unsoaked) dried beans to an Instant Pot with water covering them by 2 inches. Pressure cook on high: black beans: 25-30 minutes. Chickpeas: 35-40 minutes. Pinto beans: 25-30 minutes. Kidney beans: 25-30 minutes. Natural pressure release for 15 minutes.

Why It Works

Pressure cooking eliminates the need for soaking entirely and reduces cooking time dramatically. The high pressure forces water into the beans faster than any other method. From dried to dinner in under an hour with zero planning.

Tips

• Do not fill the Instant Pot more than half full with beans and water — beans expand significantly
• Natural pressure release is important — quick release can cause beans to split and foam to clog the valve
• Add 1 tbsp oil to reduce foaming during cooking
• Season after cooking since pressure cooking can mute seasoning flavors