How Long to Pressure Cook Lima Beans for Perfectly Tender Legumes

As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for ways to prepare delicious, nutritious meals for my family quickly and easily. That’s why I love using my electric pressure cooker for dishes like perfectly cooked lima beans But I found that nailing the right cooking time can make all the difference between undercooked, crunchy beans and tender, creamy ones So I did some experimenting to find out exactly how long to pressure cook lima beans to get ideal results every time.

In this article, I’ll share with you everything I learned about timings so you can avoid trial and error and cook flawless lima beans in your pressure cooker confidently Whether you’re making them as a simple side dish or incorporating them into soups and stews, these tips will help you get the texture just right. Let’s get cooking!

Why Pressure Cook Lima Beans?

I’m a big fan of lima beans (also called butter beans). Their mild, nutty flavor and smooth, creamy texture make them incredibly versatile. You can add them to salads, puree them into dips and spreads, or simmer them into hearty bean soups.

But like most dried beans, lima beans can traditionally take hours to cook thoroughly on the stovetop, which isn’t always practical. This is where the pressure cooker saves the day! The high temperature and pressure environment inside dramatically decreases cooking time by softening the tough bean skins rapidly. No more waiting around just to enjoy some lima beans.

Pressure cooking also helps the beans retain more nutrients compared to other cooking methods. And you get consistently moist, tender beans with very little effort. It’s a win-win!

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several key factors impact how long lima beans need to cook under pressure:

Bean size – Small beans cook faster than large beans. Baby limas may take 10-12 minutes while large Fordhook beans need 15-18 minutes.
Bean age – Older, drier beans require longer pressure cooking than fresher beans with more moisture.
Soaking time – Soaking beans before cooking softens them so they pressure cook faster. Beans soaked overnight may shave 3-5 minutes off cooking time.
Altitude – Above 1,000 feet, you’ll need to increase pressure cooking time due to lower boiling point.
Amount of beans – Cooking large batches of beans calls for slightly longer cooking time.
Personal taste – Some people prefer softer, more tender beans than others.

Fortunately, there is a general range you can follow for perfectly cooked lima beans that takes these factors into account.

How Long to Pressure Cook Lima Beans (Timing Guidelines)

Based on my testing, here are the pressure cooking time ranges I recommend for lima beans:

Small baby lima beans: 10-15 minutes
Medium-sized lima beans: 12-18 minutes
Large lima beans (like Fordhooks): 15-22 minutes

These timings are for cooking 1-2 pounds of soaked, dried lima beans in a modern electric pressure cooker at sea level. Here are some adjustments you may need to make:

Add 3-5 more minutes for unsoaked beans
Add 1-2 more minutes for each additional pound of beans
Add 15% more time for higher altitudes
Subtract 2-3 minutes for extremely soft beans

The cooking time really depends on the exact type and age of your lima beans. To identify when they’re done, I suggest manually releasing pressure after 10 minutes for small beans or 15 minutes for large beans. Then, taste a bean and check for tenderness, returning to pressure if needed.

With a little trial and error, you’ll discover the perfect timing for the lima beans you use regularly. Just start in the middle of the time range and adjust as needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pressure Cooking Lima Beans

Follow these simple steps for tender, delicious lima beans using your pressure cooker:

Rinse and soak beans: Pick over beans and rinse well. Soak in water for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Add beans and liquid: Drain beans and pour into pressure cooking pot. Cover with fresh water, broth, or seasonings.
Secure lid: Lock the lid in place according to your model’s instructions.
Pressurize: Select high pressure mode and set timer based on size of lima beans. Allow 10-20 minutes to come to pressure.
Release pressure: After cooking time is complete, use natural or manual release method.
Check doneness: Carefully open lid. Check beans for tenderness. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Serve and enjoy! Your perfectly pressure cooked lima beans are ready to eat!

Tips for Pressure Cooking Lima Beans

Here are a few handy tips to ensure tender and delicious lima beans every time:

Natural release prevents blowing bean skins outward, so it’s ideal unless time is tight.
Add aromatics like garlic, onion, bay leaf or herbs for extra flavor.
Stir in tomato sauce, broth or seasonings to boost taste after cooking.
Sauté cooked beans with spices, veggies or meat to turn them into an entree.
Beans will continue to soften after cooking, so avoid overcooking.
Freeze extra cooked beans in broth for quick side dishes or soups later.

Now that you know exactly how long to pressure cook your lima beans, you can start whipping up quick and healthy meals. Try serving them warm in a salad or over rice. Puree them into a memorable bean dip or spread. Take advantage of their creaminess in satisfying soups and chilis. The possibilities are delicious and endless!

how long to pressure cook lima beans

Can You Freeze Lima Beans?

Yes, you can freeze lima beans for up to 3 months.

Once the beans have completely cooled, you can transfer the beans and liquid to a freezer bag. See the steps below.

Use a permanent marker to write “lima beans,” the date you put them in the freezer, and (if you want) the number of servings on the bag. Writing down how many servings it makes might help you plan meals in the future. As an “expiration date,” you can also put in the date 3 months from now if you want to.
I like to lay the bag flat on a small baking sheet after putting the beans in it.
The bag will freeze if you put the tray in the freezer.
You now have a nice, flat bag that stays put without taking up much room.

How To Cook Dry Lima Beans

Without Soaking

The lima beans take the same amount of time to cook on the stove or in the Instant Pot without having to soak first. But it’s helpful if you have a lot to cook and don’t have room on the stove. Its a breeze to just throw the dry beans in the instant pot!.

Using soaked beans

Depending on how soft you like your beans, soaking them cuts down the time it takes to cook them to about 30 minutes. In my opinion, soaking them creates more “skins” at the end. It wasnt a ton of them but they were there, so just an FYI ;-).

*Note: cook times can vary depending on how old the beans are. I do my best to be accurate but you may have to adjust the cooking time.

Stovetop

I’ve found that cooking dry lima beans in the Instant Pot takes the same amount of time as cooking them on the stove. For the full recipe click “jump to recipe” or just keep scrolling!.

Instant Pot Lima Beans With Ham Hock |Kaye Carter

FAQ

How long do you pressure can lima beans?

Beans, Fresh Lima—Shelled

Table 1. Recommended process time for Lima Beans in a dial-gauge pressure canner.
Style of Pack	Jar Size	Process Time
Hot and Raw	Pints	40 min
	Quarts	50

Can you overcook beans in a pressure cooker?

Some beans will be overcooked and completely decimated, while others are still gritty or firm in the center. Soaking the beans not only helps them to cook more evenly, but it also helps make them more digestible.

How long does it take for lima beans to soften?

Place 1 cup beans in a large pot with 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until tender, 1 hour; drain well.

Is it better to slow cook or pressure cook beans?

Takeaway. Cooking beans in an Instant Pot and slow cooker results in beans that are evenly cooked, intact, and creamy. Both methods were ranked as easy, however, considering the amount of cook time required for slow cooker beans, the Instant Pot method comes out on top.

How long do you Pressure Cook lima beans?

Drain lima beans, then add to the Instant Pot. Add water and stir to prevent sticking. Pressure cook on high for 5-7 minutes (it will take about 8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins). Once the timer goes off, allow to naturally release for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.

Do Lima beans give you gas?

Lima beans can cause gas, even when cooked properly. Individuals not used to consuming beans and other plant foods regularly may initially notice an increase in bloating and gas. This is primarily due to the increased intake of both fiber and complex sugars like raffinose that can be difficult to digest. Digestive symptoms tend to decrease over a short period of time with regular consumption. Start by eating smaller amounts of lima beans and increase the amount incrementally. Or, to help dispel gas, add lemon to your dish if applicable and try taking a product called ‘Beano’ before meals. Eating one-half to one teaspoon of fennel seeds (toasted, raw, or candied) after a meal is another effective strategy to reduce gas and bloat.

How long to cook lima beans in Instant Pot?

Soak overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours at room temperature. Drain lima beans, then add to the Instant Pot. Add water and stir to prevent sticking. Pressure cook on high for 5-7 minutes (it will take about 8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins).

Are pressure cookers safe for cooking dry lima beans?

Yes, pressure cookers are safe for cooking dry lima beans. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating your specific pressure cooker model. Ensure that the pressure release valve is closed before cooking and release the pressure according to the recommended method to avoid any potential accidents.