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+ servings
bowl of instant pot black beans

How to Cook Black Beans

Tami McBride
Learn how to cook black beans that are soft, creamy, and full of flavor. Discover the correct technique for soaking and cooking the beans to get the best flavor and texture (without the beans bursting).  
5 from 4 votes
Course Tutorials
Cuisine Beans
Servings 4 ½ cups

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups of dry black beans
  • 2 quarts of water 8 cups - to soak
  • tablespoons of table salt - for soak water
  • 3 cups of water - to cook
  • 1 teaspoon of table salt - to cook
  • ½ onion quartered
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice optional
  • Optional garnishes: cilantro sliced green onions, crumbled Cotija cheese

Instructions
 

Soak the Beans

  • SORT the black beans. Remove any debris.
  • SOAK 2 cups of beans in a bowl with 2 quarts (8 cups) of water and 1½ tablespoons of salt. Soak at least 8 hours, but preferably 10-12 hours.
  • DRAIN the beans in a colander.
  • RINSE the beans for 15 seconds under running water.

Pressure Cooker Instructions

  • ADD beans to the pressure cooker. Pour in 2 to 3 cups of fresh water to cover the beans by 1 inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, the halved onion, and garlic cloves.
  • COOK on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  • NATURALLY RELEASE PRESSURE when the pressure cooker has finished.
  • SKIM the foam off the top. DRAIN the beans.
  • RINSE the beans. Add the lime juice (optional). Use the cooked beans in any recipe or garnish and serve as a side dish.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • ADD pre-soaked beans to the slow cooker container. Add 3 cups of fresh water to cover beans 1 inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, the halved onion, and garlic cloves.
  • COOK on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 8 to 12 hours.
  • SKIM the foam off the top. DRAIN the beans.
  • RINSE beans and use beans in any recipe. Add the lime juice (optional). Use the cooked beans in any recipe or garnish and serve as a side dish.

Stovetop Instructions

  • ADD pre-soaked beans to a large pot. Add 3 cups of fresh water to cover beans 1 inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, the halved onion, and garlic cloves.
  • COVER with the lid and bring the water to a rolling boil.
  • REDUCE the heat to low when the beans begin to boil. Keep the lid on the pan. The water should simmer, but not boil over.
  • SIMMER the beans for 1½ to 2 hours.
  • SKIM the foam off the top. DRAIN the beans.
  • RINSE beans and use beans in any recipe. Add the lime juice (optional). Use the cooked beans in any recipe or garnish and serve as a side dish.

Notes

Cook time varies based on the cooking method used.
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