Step 1

Begin by rinsing the beans in a colander to remove any residual dirt. Carefully check the beans over to ensure there are pebbles or anything else that could potentially damage your teeth post-cooking.

Step 2

Overnight soak: Place the beans in a container and add water until the level is 2-3 inches above the beans. Leave them to soak for 12 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans prior to cooking.

Step 3

Quick soak: Place the beans in a pot with water and boil them for 2-3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let the beans rest in the water for 2 hours to soften.

Step 4

Add the beans to a pot and cover it with 3-4 inches of water. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir and reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5

Periodically stir the beans to prevent them from sticking to each other and the pot. Depending on the age of your beans, the cooking time can take between 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Step 6

While the beans are cooking, make sure to taste them. If they are soft and creamy, they are done. If they start to appear dry, add more hot water to maintain a consistent temperature.

Step 7

Before starting, inspect the rubber seal on the inner portion of the pressure cooker lid for any damage.

Step 8

Add the beans to the pot and cover them with about 2-3 inches of water, making sure you don’t go past halfway up the pot for safety reasons.

Step 9

Secure the lid, ensuring it’s locked and the valve is down. Heat the pot on the stovetop over high until you start to hear a "hissing" noise from the pressure release valve.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low and set a timer for 40 minutes. Once the time is up, turn the stove off and allow the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally.

Step 11

Add the beans to your Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. Cover the beans with 2-3 inches of water, ensuring you don’t go past the "max fill line."

Step 12

Secure the lid and close the pressure valve. Set your pressure cooker for 30 minutes on high power. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally. Happy eating!