Instant Pot Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are easy to make in the instant pot. If you've not soaked the kidney beans, then also it's perfect for cooking in the instant pot. I love to make my rice and red kidney beans for a quick one-pot meal. Here you will get both the instructions for soaked beans and unsoaked beans.

Beans and legumes are easier to cook in the pressure cooker. This electric pressure cooker is too good to make the kidney beans perfect even if they are not soaked before. You can cook kidney beans with any of your favorite seasonings and spices to taste. Be versatile to play around with the spices to make the instant pot kidney beans. Check out my instant pot pinto beans recipe and black beans vs pinto beans here.

What are kidney beans?

Beans are legumes that come in a variety of sizes and colors (white beans, pinto beans, red beans, black beans, etc). Red beans are also popular as kidney beans. They are dark red to brown in color with the elongated shape of a kidney.

Kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are a type of common bean that is widely consumed around the world. Their shape and color resembles those of kidney and that's why they are named "kidney beans".

Kidney beans are one of the most common and popular beans across the world. However, These are native to Central America and Mexico. They have been used in various cuisines, including Mexican, Caribbean, South American, and South Asian dishes.

This is very common in Mexican food. Check out my vegan Mexican recipes.

They have a mild flavor and a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. You can use them in stews, chili, soups, salads, and any other vegetarian dishes

Kidney Beans Nutrition

These are toxic like lectin in raw form and also if not cooked properly. To destroy the toxin, proper cooking is essential. Otherwise, perfectly cooked kidney beans are nutrient-rich high protein legumes to add to the diet.

These are rich in plant-based protein and 100 gms (3.5 oz) of boiled kidney beans have 9 gm of protein in them. Hence one of the best plant-based vegan protein sources. These are also high in fiber and help in keeping blood sugar levels in moderation and promote colon health.

They are also low in fat and cholesterol-free, making them a nutritious choice for a balanced diet. They may also aid weight loss since high in protein and high fiber.

These are also rich in other vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, copper, manganese, potassium, vitamin K1, etc.

Instant Pot Kidney Beans Recipe

Kidney beans are hard beans that require soaking before cooking to reduce the time of cooking and also proper cooking of the beans. Also, improperly cooked kidney beans are toxic and may cause various ill effects like food poisoning, diarrhea, nausea, etc. So they should be cooked well before eating.

However, with instant pot, you can skip the soaking step as well. It might take a little longer time in the instant pot also (as compared to soaked beans cooking time). Also, if you have any digestive disorder, it's better to soak them to remove phytic acid from the beans and makes them easily digestible.

But it cooks the beans so well and makes them perfect to use in any recipe or dish. Or make a one-pot dish/ side with your meal.

Once you make them in the instant pot, you will no longer want to use the canned kidney beans. They refrigerate well also when stored properly.

Soaking Instructions for Kidney Beans-

To soak the kidney beans, place them in a large bowl. Wash once or twice.

Every 1 cup of kidney beans may require 2.5 - 3 cups of water while soaking since they absorb and soak up the water.

Soak the beans for a minimum of 6 to 8 hrs or overnight before using them.

Once they are soaked, strain out the water and rinse them a few times.

Kidney beans (Soaked) in the Instant Pot

Ingredients -

Kidney beans

Water To Soak

Stock/ broth

Salt to taste

Instructions - step-by-step

To make the beans, first, rinse them with regular water. Then transfer to a large bowl. Add water generously and allow them to soak for a minimum of 6 to 8 hrs or overnight. The kidney beans will soak in the water and will increase in size and be soft in texture. If you test by taking one bean from the pot and you can break it with your fingers also.

Remove from the water and transfer the red beans to the instant pot inner pot. Discard the water used for soaking.

Add a cup of water to the beans in the instant pot. Season with salt. Close the lid of the instant pot. Turn the pressure knob to sealing.

Start the manual pressure cook mode for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, when it beeps, let it be on NPR mode (keep warm) for 10 minutes. Then turn the sealing knob to release rest of the pressure manually. Open the lid after that. Kidney beans are ready to use now.

Strain out the cooked kidney beans from the inner pot and store them as necessary.

Instant Pot Kidney Beans No Soak

Rinse the kidney beans with warm water once or twice. Place them in the inner pot and pour 1 cup of water. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Close the lid and turn the pressure valve to SEALING. Now start the instant pot on BEANS mode or on Manual Pressure Cook for 40 minutes on High Pressure. Once done, let it be on natural pressure release (Warm) for 10 - 15 minutes. Then remove the pressure valve and open the lid. Red kidney beans are ready to use.

How to store?

These are freezer friendly. To freeze the beans, first, allow them to cool down to room temperature. Then transfer to an air-tight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. These are great for meal prep too.

How long do you cook kidney beans in the instant pot?

Cooking times for Instant Pot kidney beans are different depending on if they are soaked or not. If the kidney beans are soaked overnight, then cook for 10 minutes plus 10 minutes NPR. And, if the kidney beans are not soaked at all, it will take 40 minutes on high pressure and 10 minutes NPR.

Soaked beans - 10 min on high pressure + 10 min NPR

Dried Beans - 40 Minutes on high pressure + 10 min NPR

Do we need to soak kidney beans before cooking?

Raw beans contain toxins like lectin, phytic acid, etc. So soaking and proper cooking helps the breakdown of the toxins making them easily digestible. Also soaking reduces the cooking time even in the instant pot. However to cook the kidney beans in the instant pot you don't need to soak them necessarily since they pressure cook the beans perfectly tender and soft.

What should be the ratio of beans to water for instant pot kidney beans?

Soaked beans 1 part to water 1 - 1.5 cups

Dried beans 1 part to water 3 - 3.5 cups

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