The Perfect Bean to Water Ratio for Cooking Beans in the Instant Pot

Using the instant pot to cook beans is a game changer! The pressurized environment cuts cook times substantially compared to stove top But to get tender, evenly cooked beans, having the right ratio of beans to water is key.

When it comes to cooking beans in the instant pot what is the ideal bean to water ratio? Let’s break it down.

The Basic Rule of Thumb

The basic rule of thumb for cooking beans in the instant pot is:

• Use 2-3 times as much water as beans, by volume

So if you’re cooking 1 cup of dried beans, add 2-3 cups water. This ratio keeps the beans fully submerged during cooking for even heating and tender texture.

Using the right amount of water for the quantity of beans is important to achieve perfect, pressure cooked beans every time. Too little water can lead to uneven cooking. Too much water reduces flavor concentration.

Follow the simple 2-3x formula, and your instant pot beans will turn out plump and tender.

Bean to Water Ratios Based on Quantity

To make it easy, here are suggested bean to water ratios based on the amount of dried beans you’re cooking:

• 1 cup beans : 2-3 cups water
• 2 cups beans : 4-6 cups water
• 3 cups beans : 6-9 cups water
• 4 cups beans : 8-12 cups water

As you scale up, keep that 2-3 times ratio. For example, for a pound of dried beans (around 2 cups), use 4-6 cups water.

These ratios ensure the beans have enough liquid to cook thoroughly and evenly. Adjust as needed based on your instant pot model, bean type, and personal texture preference.

Tips for Getting the Right Bean Hydration

Follow these tips for success when cooking beans in the instant pot:

• Always use at least 2x as much water as beans. 3x is better for very dense beans.

• Stir beans before adding water to even them out. Measure accurately.

• For softer, creamier beans, use more water. For firmer texture, use less.

• Add aromatic extras like onion, garlic, herbs early so flavors infuse.

• If reducing bean broth for a sauce, account for evaporation after pressure cooking.

• Natural bean broth thickens upon cooling. For thinner consistency, add water after cooking.

• Don’t fill pot more than halfway when cooking beans to avoid foaming and clogging the vent.

• For pot-in-pot or stacked cooking, beans need full 2-3x water for even cooking.

Using the right bean to water ratio helps ensure your instant pot beans turn out perfectly cooked with the right texture every time. Hydrating them sufficiently and evenly is the secret to success!

Ratios for Cooking Different Types of Beans

While the basic 2-3x bean to water rule applies universally, you may need to adjust slightly based on the size and density of beans.

Smaller, Quicker Cooking Beans

Types like lentils, split peas and black-eyed peas have less starch and cook faster. Use a 2:1 ratio.

Examples:

• 1 cup lentils : 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup split peas : 1 cup water

Since they cook faster under pressure, these small beans don’t need as much water to become tender.

Larger, Dense Bean Varieties

Bigger, denser beans like chickpeas, navy, and kidney beans often benefit from more water. Use a 3:1 ratio.

Examples:

• 1 cup chickpeas : 3 cups water
• 2 cups assorted beans : 6 cups water

The extra water allows the thicker skins to become tender.Adding a touch more water than the minimum is smart for these hearty beans.

High Starch Beans

Beans like pintos, limas and cannellini have extra starch. Use at least a 3:1 water ratio and possibly more.

Examples:

• 2 cups Great Northern beans : 6-7 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups pinto beans : 4 1/2 – 5 cups water

These extra starchy beans soaked up more water as they cooked. Err on the side of a little more water.

As you get familiar with how different types of beans cook under pressure, you can tweak the ratios to suit your tastes.

Making Bean Broth in the Instant Pot

One advantage of pressure cooking beans is the nutrient-rich broth that results. Properly hydrating beans helps create more flavorful bean broth.

• For intense broth, use less water than beans. After cooking, drain beans and reserve broth.

• For lighter broth, increase water ratio. Can thin with additional water after cooking if needed.

• Add aromatics early on for flavor infusion. Onion, celery, garlic, herbs work well.

• For thicker broth, simmer briskly after pressure cooking to reduce liquid.

• Chill broth once beans are done to allow fat to separate before using.

With the right bean to water ratio, you’ll get tasty, concentrated broth along with perfectly cooked beans.

Things to Keep in Mind

Here are a few last tips for successfully cooking beans in the instant pot:

• Don’t fill pot more than halfway when cooking beans. They will foam and rise.

• Expect bean broth to thicken as it cools due to starch release.

• Natural pressure release is gentler for delicate beans versus quick release.

• Pre-soaking beans reduces cook times but use the same bean to water ratio.

• Adjust cook times as needed based on your altitude.

• Know your bean freshness. Older beans take longer. Err on the side of more water.

Now you know the essential bean to water ratio for cooking perfect instant pot beans every time! With the proper hydration, your beans will cook thoroughly, benefiting from the quick pressure cooking time.