How Long Do You Cook Beans On The Stove

You can cook beans on the stove in about 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the type of bean and whether you soak them first.
 
If you’re wondering how long do you cook beans on the stove, the honest answer is that it depends on the bean.
 
Some beans cook fast, while others take their sweet time to get tender.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long you cook beans on the stove for the most common varieties, plus a few tips so they turn out perfectly every time.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How Long Do You Cook Beans on the Stove?

The time it takes to cook beans on the stove depends mostly on the type of bean, its age, and whether you soaked it beforehand.
 
Here’s a quick rundown so you know how long you cook beans on the stove for each common kind.
 

1. Black Beans

If you’re cooking black beans on the stove, they usually take about 60 to 90 minutes once soaked.
 
Unsoaked black beans can take closer to 2 hours.
 
They’re tender when you can easily smush one against the side of the pot with a spoon.
 

2. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans take a bit longer, around 90 minutes to 2 hours when soaked.
 
This is one bean you never want to undercook.
 
Raw or undercooked kidney beans contain a toxin that can upset your stomach, so let them cook until they’re completely soft.
 

3. Pinto Beans

Pinto beans cooked on the stove take about 90 minutes to 2 hours if soaked.
 
They’re a favorite for refried beans, so you want them nice and soft.
 
If you cook beans on the stove without soaking, add another 30 to 45 minutes.
 

4. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)

Chickpeas are one of the longest to cook, taking 2 to 3 hours on the stove.
 
They hold their shape well, which is great for salads and curries.
 
So if you’re asking how long do you cook beans on the stove for chickpeas, plan for a solid 2 to 3 hours and you’re good.
 

5. Lentils

Lentils are the speedy ones of the bunch.
 
You can cook lentils on the stove in just 20 to 30 minutes, no soaking needed.
 
Brown and green lentils take a bit longer, while red lentils cook the fastest and turn mushy, which is perfect for soups.
 

Factors That Affect How Long You Cook Beans on the Stove

How long you cook beans on the stove isn’t just about the type of bean.
 
A few other things can speed up or slow down the process, and knowing them helps you nail the timing every time.
 

1. Soaking vs. Not Soaking

Soaking beans overnight cuts the cooking time significantly.
 
If you soak your beans, you can shave off 30 minutes to an hour compared to cooking them dry.
 
If you forgot to soak, no worries.
 
Just add more time and a little extra water, and your beans will still turn out great.
 

2. The Age of Your Beans

Older beans take longer to soften.
 
If your beans have been sitting in the pantry for a year, expect them to cook longer than a fresh batch.
 
This is one reason why how long do you cook beans on the stove can vary from one bag to the next.
 

3. Altitude and Water

At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, so beans take longer to cook.
 
Hard water can also slow things down because the minerals make it harder for beans to soften.
 
If your beans seem stubborn, this might be why.
 

4. Acidic Ingredients

Adding tomatoes, lemon juice, or vinegar too early can keep beans from softening.
 
Acid firms up the bean skins, so save those ingredients for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
 

Tips for Cooking Beans on the Stove Perfectly

Getting beans just right is easier than it sounds once you know a few tricks.
 
Here’s how to cook beans on the stove so they come out tender, creamy, and full of flavor.
 

1. Use Enough Water

Cover your beans with at least 2 to 3 inches of water.
 
Beans soak up a lot of liquid as they cook, so you don’t want them drying out.
 
Add more hot water anytime the level drops below the beans.
 

2. Simmer, Don’t Boil

A gentle simmer is what you want.
 
A hard boil can break the skins and make your beans mushy on the outside while still firm inside.
 
Keep the heat low and let them cook slowly and evenly.
 

3. Season at the Right Time

Salt is fine to add early, and it actually helps season the beans all the way through.
 
But skip the acid, like tomatoes and vinegar, until the beans are almost tender.
 
This keeps the skins soft and lets them cook through properly.
 

4. Skim the Foam

As beans cook, they release foam that rises to the top.
 
Scoop it off with a spoon.
 
This keeps the cooking liquid clear and helps reduce the gas beans are famous for.
 

5. Taste as You Go

The best way to know how long do you cook beans on the stove is to taste them.
 
Start checking a little before the suggested time.
 
When a bean smashes easily between your fingers, it’s done.
 

So, How Long Do You Cook Beans on the Stove?

You cook beans on the stove for anywhere from 20 minutes for lentils up to 3 hours for chickpeas, depending on the type and whether you soaked them.
 
So now you know how long you cook beans on the stove, you can plan your meal without the guesswork.
 
Just remember to soak when you can, simmer gently, and taste as you go.
 
With these tips, your beans will come out tender and tasty every single time.