Steaming Dry Beans: Electric Steamer Cooking Guide

Cooking dried beans can be a chore. You have to soak the beans and then cook them for hours. However, an electric steamer can make this process faster and easier. Electric steamers can cook beans in less than an hour, and they can also mimic an overnight soak by bringing the pot of beans to high pressure for just one minute. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook dried beans using an electric steamer, including the benefits of this cooking method.

Soaking the beans

To soak your beans, start by measuring out the desired quantity of beans and pouring them into a large bowl. Rinse the beans and sort through them, discarding any discolored, shrivelled, or foreign objects. Next, add water to the bowl. The general rule is to add twice as much water as beans. For example, if you're using one cup of beans, add two cups of water. Ensure that the water completely covers the beans.

Cover the bowl loosely with a pan lid or aluminium foil. Set the bowl of beans aside and let them soak for at least six hours. Soaking the beans overnight is even better as it results in creamier beans with fewer split specimens. If you're short on time, you can also do a quick soak by bringing the beans and water to a boil for 2-3 minutes, then removing them from the heat and letting them soak, covered, for at least one hour.

After soaking, drain and rinse the beans with fresh, cool water before proceeding to cook them in your electric steamer.

Preparing the steamer

Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of steamer you want to use. You can opt for a steamer basket, a stovetop pan, or even a microwave. Each method has its advantages, but the classic steamer basket is a great choice for even cooking and minimal equipment.

Once you've chosen your steamer type, it's time to prepare the beans. Rinse the desired amount of beans under cool running water, removing any discolored or shrivelled beans, as well as any debris. It is important to ensure there are no small rocks or foreign objects in the beans, as these can ruin your meal.

Next, you'll need to soak the beans. Soaking helps to dissolve starches that can cause discomfort and also reduces cooking time. There are a few soaking methods to choose from:

• Hot Soak: Boil 10 cups of water for every pound (2 cups) of beans for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and soak for up to 4 hours.
• Quick Soak: Boil 6 cups of water for each pound of beans for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and soak for at least 1 hour.
• Traditional Overnight Soak: Place beans in cold water (10 cups of water for every pound of beans) and cover. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

After soaking, drain and rinse the beans with fresh, cool water. Now, your beans are ready to be steamed!

Cooking times

The cooking time for dry beans in an electric steamer will depend on the type of bean and the method of soaking.

For an electric pressure cooker, the average cooking time is 10 minutes for most beans, with a range of 5 to 15 minutes at high pressure. Here are some approximate cooking times for specific types of beans:

• Black beans: 5 minutes
• Black-eyed peas: 5 minutes
• Chickpeas: 15 minutes
• Cannellini: 8 minutes
• Kidney beans: 8 minutes

If you are using a stovetop method, the cooking time will be longer, ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Here are some approximate cooking times for specific types of beans on a stovetop:

• Black beans: 60-90 minutes
• Great Northern beans: 45-60 minutes
• Kidney beans: 90-120 minutes
• Navy beans: 90-120 minutes
• Pinto beans: 90-120 minutes

It's important to note that the age of the beans can also affect the cooking time, with older beans taking longer to cook. Additionally, the desired tenderness of the beans may require adjustments to the cooking time. It is recommended to perform a taste test or mash a bean against the side of the pot to check for doneness.

For an electric steamer, the cooking time will depend on the specific model and the type of bean being cooked. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended cooking time for your particular electric steamer model.

Seasoning

A simple yet tasty seasoning option is to add some butter, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to your beans. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as lemon zest, lemon juice, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding dried dill weed or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to your beans.

For a more intense flavour, you can try adding herbs and spices towards the end of the cooking process. This will help to reduce flavour loss and ensure your beans are packed with taste. Additionally, if you're looking to add some acidity to your dish, it's recommended to add acidic foods such as lemon juice, vinegar, tomatoes, or wine after the beans are cooked, as these can prevent the beans from becoming tender.

So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different seasonings to find the perfect combination that suits your taste preferences.

Storing

Refrigerator Storage:

• Transfer your cooked beans to an airtight container or a Tupperware container and store them in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.

Freezer Storage:

• Allow the cooked beans to cool completely before portioning them into freezer bags or containers.
• Label the bags or containers with the type of beans and the date of freezing.
• Lay the bags flat and stack them in the freezer.
• When you're ready to use them, simply remove a bag, pour the desired amount into a pan, and heat them up. You can also defrost them in the microwave or let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Cooked beans can be stored in the freezer for up to one year.
• Some people prefer to store their cooked beans in the cooking liquid. This can help keep them from drying out.
• Make sure the beans are completely immersed in the liquid and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Other Tips:

• You can cook a large batch of beans and then freeze them in portions that are easy to add to recipes.
• If you're using canned beans, rinse them well before storing to remove excess sodium.

Frequently asked questions