Steaming Beans: Electric Pressure Cooker Method

Electric pressure cookers are a fantastic tool for cooking beans, as they reduce the cooking time compared to traditional stove-top cooking. They work by creating a sealed, high-pressure environment that forces liquid and steam into the beans, resulting in a perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful dish in a fraction of the time.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using an electric pressure cooker to cook beans, provide step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and cook them, and offer tips for achieving the best results. We will also explore different types of beans and the appropriate cooking times for each variety. By the end of this article, you should feel confident in using your electric pressure cooker to steam beans efficiently and effectively.

How to steam beans without soaking

Here's how to steam beans without soaking in an electric pressure cooker:

Preparation

First, rinse and sort your dried beans to ensure there are no rocks or debris in them. Then, add the beans to your pressure cooker with water. The general rule of thumb is to add enough water to cover the beans by a few inches. For one pound of beans, eight cups of water is usually plenty. You can also add a tablespoon of oil to reduce foaming, and a teaspoon or two of salt to season the beans.

Cooking

Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and set the pressure to high. The cooking time will depend on the type of bean and whether you want softer or firmer beans. For example, black beans will take around 20-30 minutes, while chickpeas will take 35-40 minutes. If your pressure cooker has a "beans/chili" setting, you can use that instead of the manual setting.

Post-Cooking

Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting a quick release of pressure. After releasing the pressure, carefully remove the lid and drain the beans. If desired, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to make the beans easier to digest.

Storage

You can store cooked beans in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. It is recommended to store the beans in a bit of the cooking liquid to keep them moist and tender.

How to steam beans with a bain marie

A bain-marie is a hot water bath used to cook delicate foods such as custards and terrines. It involves using a container of hot water to deliver indirect heat, steam, or both to the food.

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Rinse the beans under cool running water to remove any debris or dirt. Spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet to quickly remove any broken beans or small pieces of debris.

Step 2: Assemble the Bain-Marie

Find a baking dish with high sides, such as a roasting pan or casserole dish. Line the dish with a clean kitchen towel to keep the beans from slipping. Place the beans in the dish, ensuring they are in a single layer and not piled on top of each other.

Step 3: Add Water

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully pour the boiling water into the baking dish, ensuring that the water comes about halfway up the sides of the dish. Avoid splashing water onto the beans.

Step 4: Create Steam

Place the dish of beans and water in the oven. The water should be at a barely discernible simmer. If the water is boiling, reduce the oven temperature slightly. The steam created by the hot water will cook the beans gently and evenly.

Step 5: Monitor the Beans

Check on the beans frequently during the cooking process. If the water level gets too low, add more hot water to the dish to ensure the beans remain covered.

Step 6: Test for Doneness

The beans are done when they are tender and creamy. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of bean and the desired doneness. For al dente beans, cook for a shorter period, and for softer beans, cook for a longer period.

Step 7: Serve or Store

Once the beans are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the oven and serve immediately, or allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Using a bain-marie to steam beans is a gentle and controlled method of cooking that ensures even heating and prevents overcooking. It is a great technique to master for cooking delicate foods, such as beans, custards, and cheesecakes.

The benefits of using an electric pressure cooker

Electric pressure cookers offer a range of benefits for those looking to prepare healthy, tasty meals with minimal time and effort. Here are some advantages of using an electric pressure cooker:

Time and Energy Efficiency

The ability to cook beans and other ingredients in a fraction of the time is a significant advantage of electric pressure cookers. They can reduce cooking times by up to 70%, making them ideal for quick weeknight meals. This rapid cooking is achieved through the use of high pressure, which eliminates the need for overnight soaking of beans and significantly reduces the actual cooking time.

Nutritional Benefits

Pressure cookers are designed to retain nutrients and enhance the nutritional value of your meals. The high pressure and quick cooking help preserve water-soluble vitamins, allowing foods to retain up to 90% of these essential nutrients. This is a notable improvement compared to traditional cooking methods, where nutrients can be lost due to longer cooking times and exposure to heat and oxygen.

Enhanced Taste and Appearance

The unique cooking environment of pressure cookers also contributes to enhanced taste and appearance. The steam saturation and airtight design allow foods to retain their bright colors, phytochemicals, and natural flavors. This results in meals that not only taste delicious but also look visually appealing.

Safety and Sterilization

Electric pressure cookers are equipped with safety features that make them much safer than their older counterparts. They prevent excess pressure build-up and have locking lid handles that cannot be opened until the pressure is safely released. Additionally, the high temperatures achieved in pressure cookers make them effective sterilization tools for jars, baby bottles, or even treating water.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Electric pressure cookers offer convenience and ease of use in the kitchen. They require less liquid than traditional cooking methods, which means faster boiling and less refilling. The one-pot design also means less cleaning and fewer dishes to wash. The advanced technology and intelligent programming of modern pressure cookers, such as the Instant Pot, allow for precise control and consistency in cooking, ensuring delicious results every time.

How to prepare your beans for the pressure cooker

Preparing your beans for the pressure cooker is a straightforward process, but there are a few important steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your beans:

Firstly, it is essential to sort through the beans and remove any debris, stones, or damaged beans. Give them a quick once-over to make sure there are no unwanted elements mixed in with your beans. This step is crucial, as small rocks or other foreign objects can ruin your beans and your cooking equipment.

Next, rinse your beans under cool running water. This step helps to remove any dirt or dust that may be on the beans. Place the beans in a colander or sieve and give them a good wash. You can also add a quick shake to drain the water.

Now, you have the option to soak your beans or cook them directly. Soaking beans is not necessary, but it can improve the texture and reduce cooking time. If you choose to soak them, cover the beans with water and let them sit overnight or for at least 4 hours. This step is especially helpful if you want your beans to cook evenly and reduce the chances of them bursting during cooking. Remember to discard the soaking water and give the beans a quick rinse before moving on to the next step.

Whether you choose to soak or not, the next step is to add your beans to the pressure cooker. For every pound of beans, use 6-8 cups of water. You can also add a tablespoon of oil at this stage, as it helps reduce foaming during cooking.

At this point, you can also add flavourful ingredients like garlic, onions, bay leaves, or other spices and herbs of your choice. Just be mindful of the amount of liquid in your cooker, as you don't want it to overflow during cooking.

Once you've added your beans and other desired ingredients, secure the lid of your pressure cooker. Set the cooker to high pressure and follow the recommended cooking times based on the type of bean you're using. Remember to refer to the specific cooking guidelines for your pressure cooker model, as cooking times may vary slightly.

That's it! You've now prepared your beans for the pressure cooker. Follow the remaining steps in your recipe for cooking, releasing pressure, and serving your delicious beans.

How to store and reheat your beans

Once your beans are cooked, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to a year.

Storing Cooked Beans in the Fridge

To store your beans in the fridge, measure out 1 and 1/2 cups of beans into 2-cup storage containers. Add enough liquid to cover the beans, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal the container and store in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

Storing Cooked Beans in the Freezer

To store your beans in the freezer, measure out 1 and 1/2 cups of beans into 2-cup freezer-safe storage containers. Again, add enough liquid to cover the beans, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace for expansion. Seal the container and store in the freezer for up to one year. Be sure to label your containers with the date and contents.

Reheating Beans

You can reheat your beans in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you're reheating a large batch, you can also use your pressure cooker. To do this, add a cup of water to the bottom of the insert pot of your pressure cooker and place your trivet in the pot. Put your beans in a heatproof container, adding a bit of water or fat if necessary to prevent sticking. Cover the container with foil to prevent condensation from dripping into the food. Set the steam time, depending on the type of food—most foods will take around 5 minutes, but more delicate foods like vegetables may only need 2 to 3 minutes, while very cold foods or multiple containers may need 8 to 10 minutes. After steaming, allow a natural pressure release, then check the temperature of your food and steam for 1 to 2 more minutes if necessary.

Frequently asked questions