How Long to Pressure Cook Pre-Soaked Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a beloved staple in many cuisines around the world. Their rich, meaty texture makes them perfect for soups, stews, chili, and so much more. But before kidney beans can be transformed into delicious dishes, they need to be properly cooked. When using dried kidney beans, an important step is the pre-soaking. Pre-soaking kidney beans helps reduce cooking time and can also help improve digestibility by breaking down the raffinose sugars that cause gas. But how long should you pressure cook kidney beans after pre-soaking them?

Why Pre-Soak Kidney Beans?

Pre-soaking kidney beans provides several benefits:

• Shortens cooking time Pre-soaking allows the beans to begin rehydrating before cooking. This reduces the time needed under pressure

• More even cooking Beans cook more evenly when pre-soaked preventing undercooked centers or burst skins.

• Improves texture Pre-soaked beans absorb flavors better and have a creamier texture.

• Inactivates toxins: Raw kidney beans contain phytohemagglutinin, a toxin that can cause nausea. Pre-soaking helps destroy these compounds.

• Easier digestion: Pre-soaking breaks down raffinose sugars that can cause gas.

How to Pre-Soak Kidney Beans

There are two methods for pre-soaking kidney beans:

Overnight Soak

• Place dried beans in a bowl and cover with 2-3 inches of water.

• Let soak 8 hours or overnight.

• Drain the beans, discard soaking water.

Quick Soak

• Place beans in pot and cover with 2-3 inches of water.

• Bring to a boil and boil gently for 2 minutes.

• Remove from heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour.

• Drain beans and discard water.

The overnight soak is preferred, but the quick soak method can work when you’ve forgotten to soak the beans.

How Long to Pressure Cook Pre-Soaked Beans?

Once your kidney beans are soaked, it’s time to cook them. Here are pressure cooking times for pre-soaked beans:

• Electric pressure cookers (like Instant Pot): Cook pre-soaked beans for 12-15 minutes on high pressure. Use a quick pressure release.

• Stovetop pressure cookers: Cook pre-soaked beans for 10-12 minutes on high pressure. Allow a natural pressure release.

Pre-soaked kidney beans cook significantly faster than unsoaked, cutting cook times nearly in half. But exact timing can vary based on the age of your beans. Older, drier beans may need a few extra minutes under pressure.

Here are a few signs your beans may need more time:

• Beans still have a stiff, crunchy texture when bitten.

• Lentils or split peas are floating on the top.

• Skins have split on many beans.

If your pre-soaked beans show these signs of under-cooking, simply lock the lid and cook for another 5-10 minutes until soft.

Tips for Cooking Kidney Beans

Here are a few additional tips for perfectly cooked kidney beans:

• Sort beans before soaking to remove any dirt, debris, or damaged beans.

• Rinse beans well before and after soaking.

• Add a teaspoon of oil or butter to the cooking liquid to help prevent foaming.

• Season cooking liquid well with salt and aromatics like onion, garlic, bay leaves.

• Do a quick pressure release to bring out the beans’ creamy texture.

• Check beans for doneness before serving. Pressure cook longer if still too firm.

• Add acidic ingredients like tomatoes only after beans are fully cooked.

With a good pre-soak and proper pressure cooking time, you’ll enjoy tender kidney beans ready to become a mouthwatering chili, curry, soup or stew. Pre-soaking is a simple step that makes beans faster and easier to cook while improving their flavor and digestibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I soak kidney beans?

Most recipes recommend soaking kidney beans for 8-12 hours using the overnight method. For quick soaking, boil for 2 minutes then soak for 1 hour before cooking.

Can you pressure cook unsoaked beans?

Yes, but cooking unsoaked beans takes significantly longer – generally double the time of pre-soaked. Pre-soaking is recommended for faster, more even cooking.

Do all dried beans need soaking?

Most varieties like kidney, pinto, black beans benefit from soaking. But lentils and split peas can be cooked without pre-soaking. Chickpeas usually are soaked due to their longer cook time.

Is it OK to cook beans in soaking water?

No, always drain and discard the soaking water before cooking. The indigestible sugars released into the water can make the beans harder to digest.

Can I pressure cook kidney beans from dry?

Yes, dry kidney beans can be cooked in a pressure cooker without soaking first. But it will take 40-60 minutes on high pressure depending on the age of the beans. Soaking first is recommended.

Pre-soaking your dried kidney beans using either the overnight or quick soak method allows you to pressure cook them in much less time while also improving their taste and digestibility. For most electric pressure cookers, plan on cooking pre-soaked beans for 12-15 minutes on high pressure. With a good soak and proper cook time, you’ll enjoy tender, creamy beans ready for your favorite recipes.