Kidney beans are a popular and versatile legume that can be used in a variety of dishes and cuisines. In this article, I’ll instruct you how to cook kidney beans. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to cook delicious and nutritious kidney beans at home.
1. How To Cook Kidney Beans on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dry kidney beans
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
Instructions
Spread the dry kidney beans on a clean surface and pick out any damaged or discolored beans, rocks, or debris. Rinse the beans thoroughly with cold water.
Place the rinsed beans in a large pot or bowl and cover them with 2-3 inches of water. Let the beans soak for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before cooking.
Add the soaked beans and 4 cups of water to a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for 60-90 minutes, or until they are tender. If needed, add more water to the pot to keep the beans submerged.
After the beans are cooked, you can add salt to taste. Adding salt earlier in the cooking process may cause the beans to become tough and take longer to cook, so it is best to add it towards the end.
Drain any excess liquid from the pot, and serve the beans hot as a side dish, or use them in your favorite recipe.
2. How To Cook Kidney Beans in Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dry kidney beans
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
Instructions
Spread the dry kidney beans on a clean surface and pick out any damaged or discolored beans, rocks, or debris. Rinse the beans thoroughly with cold water.
Add the rinsed beans and 4 cups of water to the Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Make sure the water level does not exceed the maximum fill line of your pressure cooker.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Press the manual or pressure cook button and set the cooking time to 25 minutes on high pressure. If using a pressure cooker, bring the cooker to high pressure over high heat, then lower the heat to maintain the pressure and cook for 25 minutes.
When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
After the beans are cooked, you can add salt to taste. Adding salt earlier in the cooking process may cause the beans to become tough and take longer to cook, so it is best to add it towards the end.
Drain any excess liquid from the pot, and serve the beans hot as a side dish, or use them in your favorite recipe.
3. How To Cook Kidney Beans in Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dry kidney beans
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
Instructions
Spread the dry kidney beans on a clean surface and pick out any damaged or discolored beans, rocks, or debris. Rinse the beans thoroughly with cold water.
Add the rinsed beans and 4 cups of water to the crockpot. Make sure the water level covers the beans by at least 1-2 inches.
Cover the crockpot with a lid and set it to cook on high for 4-6 hours, or on low for 8-10 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the freshness and size of the beans.
After the beans are cooked, you can add salt to taste. Adding salt earlier in the cooking process may cause the beans to become tough and take longer to cook, so it is best to add it towards the end.
Drain any excess liquid from the crockpot, and serve the beans hot as a side dish, or use them in your favorite recipe.
4. What To Do With Cooked Kidney Beans
Cooked kidney beans can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes. Here are some ideas on what to do with cooked kidney beans:
Make chili: Kidney beans are a classic ingredient in chili. You can combine cooked kidney beans with ground beef or turkey, tomatoes, onions, and spices to make a hearty and delicious chili.
Make soup: Kidney beans can also be used in soups such as minestrone or black bean soup. Simply add cooked kidney beans to your favorite soup recipe.
Make a salad: Kidney beans can be added to salads for an extra protein boost. Mix cooked kidney beans with chopped vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, and onion, and dress with olive oil and vinegar.
Make a dip: Kidney beans can be used to make a tasty dip for vegetables or crackers. Puree cooked kidney beans with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor, and season with salt and pepper.
Make a side dish: Kidney beans can be used as a side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Simply season the beans with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices.
Make a burrito: Kidney beans can be used in burritos and tacos. Combine cooked kidney beans with rice, cheese, and your favorite vegetables and wrap in a tortilla.
Cooking kidney beans is a simple and rewarding process that can provide you with a nutritious and delicious addition to your meals. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can cook kidney beans to perfection every time, and use them in a variety of dishes and recipes.
