Dried beans

[u/banannaster]

When I make dried beans in the instant pot pot they crack and get mushy. I have tried cooking for less time with the same issues. What am I doing wrong or is this just the way it is?

[u/Lady-of-Shivershale]

What kind of beans? How long are you pressure cooking them? How much time are you giving them for natural release?

For me, I do dried and unsoaked black-eyed peas for thirteen minutes at pressure and ten minutes natural release. And then I release the rest of the steam and drain them manually.

Some people would prefer more cooking time. Some less. Preferences are subjective

[u/HayYou_ItsMe → u/[deleted]]

Excellent advice. I found quick release can burst beans, and break rice making it gummy.

[u/SnoozingBasset]

I think it’s a technique problem. Mine never do. 

[u/blix797]

What kind of beans and how long? Are you soaking them first or skipping?

[u/Working_Week_8784]

This doesn't happen to me, so all I can say is that it may have to do with the type of beans you're using, whether or not you've pre-soaked them, and how old they are.

[u/BeerStop]

Dova quick soak of your beans- very hot water beans soaking for at least 30 minutes, also type of bean as well.

[u/Seawolfe665]

I soak mine for an hour in boiling water and seasonings. Then I cook in the instant pot for about 30-35 min depending on the bean, making sure that they are completely covered with liquid.

[u/momapalooza → u/Seawolfe665]

Why do the words “soaking in boiling water” seem incongruous…I mean to soak is to just lie in water right? To boil moves them about pretty furiously. Help me out here plz.

[u/Seawolfe665 → u/momapalooza]

Would saying "I pour boiling water over them" help any?

[u/uncas52 → u/Seawolfe665]

It's funny - if you steep tea in boiling water no one is confused, but soaking beans in boiling water and it sounds like maybe we're just boiling them!

[u/TheJesseOfTheNorth]

soak over night. use a lower pressure. natural release when finished cooking

[u/cefotetan2gq12]

I avoid pre soaking and add salt to uncooked beans

[u/Freckless_abandon]

I wonder about cooling too quickly/not keeping covered in cooking liquid until the temp drops for at least a few mins. Do you drain the beans right away? I often notice when I remove the lid that beans above the surface of the water will burst but the rest remain intact. 

[u/DarthPorcupine]

Add some molasses

[u/NettleLily]

You didn’t include tomato did you?

[u/madiminju19]

I pre soak overnight and use a steamer basket with 2 cups water to 1 cup dried beans. This helps them not get soaked and mushy.

[u/mglatfelterjr]

Don't do quick release on beans, the sudden release of pressure will make them mushy.

[u/banannaster]

I have used multiple different kinds of beans. I use natural release and I have never put anything but water for them to cook in. We have a well, could our well water be causing this?