I cook beans often, and this Tender Instant Pot Kidney Beans recipe is one of my favorites. They turn out tasty each time and make a great side dish for any meal. Great time saver, easy, nutrient-dense, and budget-friendly.
Instant Pot Kidney Beans Without Soaking
These Instant Pot kidney beans are tender, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. You do not need to soak the beans overnight, and the pressure cooker takes care of most of the work.
Cooking dried kidney beans on the stovetop can take a long time, especially when they have not been soaked. The Instant Pot shortens the process, reducing it to just 45 minutes and yielding tender beans with minimal attention. The fast cooking method doesn’t take away from the beans, as they are still super tender.
These tender kidney beans have everything you love about kidney beans without having to soak them. I like cooking kidney beans from scratch because the texture is richer and creamier than canned beans.
Once they are ready, I can use them in several meals throughout the week. They work especially well in a comforting pot of Creamy Red Beans and Rice, where the soft beans help create that thick, hearty consistency.
The best part of this beans recipe is that there’s no soaking needed!
Why Cook Kidney Beans in the Instant Pot?
Cooking dried kidney beans on the stovetop can take a long time, especially when they have not been soaked. The Instant Pot shortens the process by using pressure to cook the beans evenly and efficiently.
This method gives you kidney beans that are:
• Tender without falling apart
• Easy to prepare
• More affordable than canned beans
• Ready to use in many different meals
• Cooked without overnight soaking
The beans also develop a creamier texture than canned beans, and you can control the salt and seasonings from the beginning.
A Useful Base for Many Bean Recipes
This Instant Pot kidney bean recipe is intentionally simple because it is meant to give you a versatile pot of cooked beans that you can season in different ways later.
For something rich and creamy, you can simmer the cooked beans with coconut milk, tomatoes, and warm spices, similar to the way I prepare Maharagwe - Creamy Coconut Kidney Beans. Kidney beans hold their shape well in the coconut sauce while becoming soft and satisfying inside.
When I am serving Rice and Peas, I sometimes cook an extra batch of kidney beans to keep in the refrigerator for another meal.
You can also use them to make a variation of Ewa Riro. Traditional Ewa Riro is usually made with Nigerian beans, but kidney beans can work when that is what you have available. Their flavor is slightly different, but they still absorb the pepper sauce beautifully.
Do You Need to Soak Kidney Beans Before Pressure Cooking?
No, you do not need to soak the kidney beans for this recipe.
That is one of the main reasons I love using the Instant Pot. Simply sort the beans, rinse them thoroughly, and add them directly to the pressure cooker.
However, dried beans can vary in age. Older beans may take longer to soften, so you may need to cook them for a few additional minutes if they are still firm after the first cooking cycle.
A Quick Kidney Bean Safety Note
Kidney beans must be cooked thoroughly before eating. Never eat raw or undercooked kidney beans.
Make sure the beans are fully tender before serving them. If they are still firm, return the lid to the Instant Pot and cook them for another 5 to 10 minutes at high pressure.
Perfect addition to many meals
Kidney beans are the perfect addition to a variety of meals, from soups and salads to main courses and side dishes. You can use kidney beans to increase the nutritional value of your food without spending too much time or money.
You can season them simply and serve them beside roast chicken, grilled meat, or vegetables.
Are kidney beans healthy?
Kidney beans are relatively healthy. While they are mainly composed of carbs and fiber, they are also a strong source of plant-based protein. Since the beans are rich in fiber, they can help promote colon health and help moderate blood sugar levels due to how they are digested.
What temperature should I cook the kidney beans in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot should be kept on high when cooking the kidney beans.
Should I use water or broth when cooking the kidney beans?
Either liquid works when cooking the kidney beans in the Instant Pot. The water will not add much flavor to the beans, whereas broth will. No matter which liquid you choose to cook the beans in, they will still cook the same way.
How to make Instant Pot Kidney Beans
- Clean the beans: Rinse them well with water and remove all dirt and stones. Dry beans can be dirty, so don’t be concerned if they don’t look clean when you buy them.
- Instant Pot Time: Place the rinsed kidney beans in the Instant Pot and add the water or broth, salt, onion, and bay leaf. Cover the Instant Pot and seal the valve. Set the Instant Pot on high and cook for 40-45 minutes.
- All done: When the timer goes off, release the steam from the Instant Pot and use the beans as desired.
More beans recipes
- Creamy Red Beans And Rice
- Easy Sauteed Skillet Green Beans and Bacon
- Ewa riro - Stewed Beans
- Ultimate chili recipe
HOW TO COOK KIDNEY BEANS IN THE INSTANT POT
Ingredients
- 1 lb Kidney beans 2 cups
- 6 cups water or broth
- Salt to taste
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 Bay leaf optional
Instructions
- Clean the beans to remove stones and other dirt and rinse a couple of times.
- Pour the kidney beans inside the Instant Pot inner pot. Add water (broth), salt, onion, and bay leaf, cover with the lid and seal the valve.
- Put the pressure cook mode on HIGH pressure and cook it for 40 minutes or 45 minutes for really soft beans.
- Once the instant pot turns off, release the steam and use the kidney beans as desired in your recipes!
Notes
- When finished, don't forget to put the steam release knob to venting so you don’t end up with mushy kidney beans.
Nutrition
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