dry beans and peas
The pressure cooker is ideal for preparing dry beans and peas quickly. However, dry beans and peas have a tendency
to froth and foam during cooking, which could cause the vent pipe to become blocked.
Therefore, it is necessary
to use the following cautions when pressure cooking dry beans and peas:
(1) Never fill the cooker over the
1
⁄
2
full line (this includes beans, ingredients, and water) .
(2) Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking .
(3) Allow pressure to drop of its own accord .
SOAKING BEANS AND PEAS —
Soaking is strongly recommended for all beans and peas, except lentils and
black-eyed peas, for even cooking and to remove water-soluble, gas-producing starches. Soaking can be done using
the traditional or the quick-soak method.
Traditional method:
Clean and rinse beans; cover with three times as much water as beans. Soak 4 to 8 hours.
Drain.
Quick method:
Clean and rinse beans; cover with three times as much water as beans. Bring beans to a boil and
boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 to 2 hours. Drain.
COOKING BEANS AND PEAS —
After soaking, rinse beans and remove any loose skins. Place beans in pressure
cooker. Add fresh water to just cover the beans and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Close cover securely. Place pres-
sure regulator on vent pipe and cook according to the times in the timetable below. For more firm beans for salads
and side dishes and when cooking less than 2 cups of beans or peas, use the shorter time. For soups and stews, use
the longer time.
After cooking is complete, allow pressure to drop of its own accord .
FOR DRy bEANS AND PEAS,
DO NOT FILL PRESSURE COOKER OVER
1
⁄
2
FULL!
OPERATING ThE COOKER wIThOUT COOKING LIqUID OR
ALLOwING ThE COOKER TO bOIL DRy wILL DAmAGE ThE COOKER.
DRY BEANS AND PEAS TIMETABLE
Soak beans and peas, except lentils and black-eyed peas, according to information above.
Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to cooking liquid . DO NOT COOK SPLIT PEAS .
FOR DRy bEANS AND PEAS, DO NOT FILL PRESSURE COOKER OVER
1
⁄
2
FULL!
COOKING TIME
BEANS AND PEAS
(MINUTES)
Adzuki
1 – 3
Anasazi
1 – 3
Black Beans
2 – 4
Black-eyed Peas
2 – 4*
†
Chickpeas (garbanzo)
7 – 10
Great Northern Beans
2 – 5
Kidney Beans
1 – 3
Lentils (brown, green)
3 – 5*
†
Lima Beans (large)
0 – 1
†
Lima Beans (baby)
1 – 3
Navy Beans (pea)
1 – 3
Peas (whole yellow, green)
6 – 9
Pinto Beans
3 – 6
Red beans
3 – 6
Soy beans (beige)
8 – 11
* cooking time is for unsoaked beans
† add
1
⁄
2
to 1 teaspoon salt to soaking and cooking water to
keep bean skins intact .
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