Every one cooks beans in their own way, and though some of the ingredients may overlap from recipe to recipe, very seldom are they two recipes the same. So this is the way I make my beans, although even the way I do it may vary from pot to pot simply because of what I feel like adding to the dish on that day.
Slow Cooker time: 12 hours low heat |
Pressure Cooker time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Add the crushed garlic cloves and jalapeno chile peppers; bring the water just to a boil. Turn down the heat to medium low and cook until the beans are soft and just almost done, approximately 2 hours.
At this time, you can also add the optional additions of bacon, cumin, chile powder, and/or paprika. You can use whatever of these you like, or whatever combination you prefer. You might want to consider what you will be serving the beans with, and let that help you determine your additions. You don’t want to overpower the taste of the beans. After adding any of these Optional Ingredients, cook for another hour.
Once the beans are done, add the salt and pepper. Do not add salt until after the beans are at least 80% cooked, as this will make the outer hull of the beans tough.
If you prefer to use a slow cooker, follow the same procedure for soaking the beans overnight, and then place the beans in your cooker and cover with water. As with the previous recipe, do not add the spices or salt until after the beans are almost done. Cooking bean in the slow cooker will take a minimum of 12 hours on low to cook to done.
You can leave them on low for a day or more (up to three days), by simply adding water when needed. This way you have a continuous pot of beans going that people can serve themselves from, or you can dip into to use in other recipes or in your meal menu.
You will also follow the same procedure of soaking beans overnight. Once the beans are rinsed, cover with 3 - 3 1/2 cups water, making sure not to go over your pressure cookers recommendation for the depth of water and food. Place the pressure cooker over medium high heat, and bring it up so that it is steaming. Reduce to medium and allow to cook 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat, and release steam according to the manufacturer's instructions.
For Electric Pressure Cookers like the Instant Pot: Press the Manual (Pressure Cook) button with a high pressure setting. Set the cooking time for 25 -30 minutes. When the cooking time is completed, allow the pressure to naturally release. (This can take about 20 minutes.)
Add the spices and other optional choices, replace the lid securely and once again bring up to pressure over medium high heat. T his time only let the beans cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the temperature come down on its own without releasing the steam. Check carefully to make certain all the pressure is off before releasing the valve or opening the top.
For Electric Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot): Add the spices and additional ingredients, cover with the lid and seal to close. Press the Manual (Pressure Cook) button at high pressure setting and set cooking time for 10 minutes. When the time is up, quick release the pressure.
You can now place the cooked beans in a bowl and serve, or use them in whatever other recipe you desire.
Makes about 8 servings.
Basic Bean Recipe for Cooking Dried Beans: https://whatscookingamerica.net/cynthiapineda/beans/pintobeans.htm