How To Cook Black Beans

Cook On The Stovetop

1. Pick through the beans and discard all stones and broken beans.
2. Soak the beans in water overnight, making sure that there is enough water to fully cover. The longer you soak them, the shorter the cooking time will be.
3. Drain, rinse, and then transfer to a large pot.
4. Add enough water or stock so that the liquid is about 1 ½ inches above the beans.
5. Add in any seasonings (but not salt). I like to add garlic, bay leaves, and sliced onions.
6. Bring to the boil, then simmer partially uncovered for 1-3 hours, depending on how firm or soft you want your beans.
7. Add in the salt after about 1 hour of simmering time.
8. If the cooking liquid dries out before the beans are done, just add more.
9. Once done, drain the beans and serve. You can reserve the cooking liquid and use it to cook rice or to add flavor to soups and stews.

Cook In The Oven

1. Place the pre-soaked beans in an oven-ready dish, adding enough water or broth to cover them by about an inch and a half.
2. Add the seasoning of your choice and any aromatics, stirring to combine.Cover and bake in a 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C oven.
3. After 90 minutes, check the beans to determine whether they are cooked through. If not, continue cooking, checking them every 10 minutes until done.

Cook In The Instant Pot

1. Layer your ingredients, starting with the broth, beans, seasoning and aromatics (like onion, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, chipotle paste and bay leaves). If using diced tomatoes then add on top do not mix them in.
2. Close the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the valve to sealing, and set it to manual pressure/high pressure for 35 minutes.
3. When done, allow for a full natural pressure release (NPR). Open the Instant Pot, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve.

Cook in The Slow Cooker

1. Place rinsed pre-soaked beans, seasonings, any aromatics if using into the slow cooker. Top with the water or broth up until the beans are covered in 2 inches of water.
2. Cover and slow cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beans are tender to your liking.
3. Do not open frequently, as this will cool down the beans meaning they take longer to cook.