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How long do you cook black eyed beans?
Black eyed beans usually cook in about 45 to 60 minutes on the stovetop after soaking, though the exact time depends on whether you soak them, the method you use, and how tender you want them.
If you’ve been asking yourself how long do you cook black eyed beans, the answer is simple once you know a few basics.
Some people cook black eyed beans for as little as 30 minutes in a pressure cooker, while others simmer them for over an hour on the stove.
Either way, when you know how to cook black eyed beans properly, you’ll get soft, creamy beans every single time.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how long to cook black eyed beans on the stove, in a pressure cooker, and in a slow cooker, plus the little tricks that speed things up.
Let’s dive in.
How Long Do You Cook Black Eyed Beans on the Stove?
When you cook black eyed beans on the stovetop, the time usually lands between 45 and 60 minutes.
Here’s how the timing breaks down:
1. Soaked Black Eyed Beans
If you soak your black eyed beans overnight or for at least 6 hours, they’ll cook in about 45 to 60 minutes.
Soaking softens the skins and reduces the cooking time, so the beans become tender faster.
Drain the soaking water, add fresh water, and simmer gently until they’re soft but not mushy.
2. Unsoaked Black Eyed Beans
If you skip the soak, black eyed beans take longer to cook, usually around 60 to 90 minutes.
You can still cook black eyed beans without soaking because they’re naturally softer than many other beans.
Just add a little extra water and give them more time on the stove.
3. How to Tell They’re Done
The best way to know how long to cook black eyed beans is to taste one.
When they’re ready, the beans should be creamy on the inside and hold their shape on the outside.
If they still feel firm or chalky in the middle, keep simmering and check again in 10 minutes.
How Long Do You Cook Black Eyed Beans in a Pressure Cooker?
If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker is your best friend when you cook black eyed beans.
Here’s the timing:
1. Soaked Beans in a Pressure Cooker
Soaked black eyed beans cook in about 8 to 10 minutes under high pressure.
Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
2. Unsoaked Beans in a Pressure Cooker
Unsoaked black eyed beans take about 20 to 25 minutes under high pressure.
This is why so many people cook black eyed beans in a pressure cooker when they forget to soak them the night before.
3. A Quick Safety Note
Never fill your pressure cooker more than halfway with beans and water.
Beans foam during cooking, and that foam can clog the valve if there’s too much in the pot.
How Long Do You Cook Black Eyed Beans in a Slow Cooker?
The slow cooker is the laziest, easiest way to cook black eyed beans.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Soaked Beans in a Slow Cooker
Soaked black eyed beans cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
2. Unsoaked Beans in a Slow Cooker
Unsoaked black eyed beans need about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.
Always use enough water, since slow cookers trap moisture and beans can dry out if you skimp.
3. Why Some People Prefer This Method
You can set it and forget it, which means you don’t have to babysit the pot.
That said, learning how long to cook black eyed beans in a slow cooker still matters, because overcooked beans turn to mush.
How Long Do You Cook Black Eyed Beans If You Want Them Faster?
There are a few tricks to shorten the cooking time when you cook black eyed beans.
1. Soak Them in Hot Water
If you didn’t plan ahead, pour boiling water over the beans and let them sit for an hour.
This quick-soak method cuts the cooking time almost in half.
2. Add a Pinch of Baking Soda
A small pinch of baking soda in the cooking water helps soften black eyed beans faster.
Just don’t overdo it, or the beans will taste soapy.
3. Skip the Salt Until the End
Adding salt early can toughen the skins and slow down cooking.
So wait until the beans are tender, then season to taste.
4. Keep the Lid On
A covered pot holds heat better, which means your black eyed beans cook more evenly and a bit faster.
So, How Long Do You Cook Black Eyed Beans?
Black eyed beans usually cook in about 45 to 60 minutes on the stovetop after soaking, though the exact time depends on whether you soak them, the method you use, and how tender you want them.
If you’ve been wondering how long do you cook black eyed beans, now you know it’s about 45 to 60 minutes on the stove, 20 to 25 minutes unsoaked in a pressure cooker, and 6 to 8 hours on low in a slow cooker.
However you cook black eyed beans, the key is to taste as you go and stop when they’re creamy and tender.
That way, every pot of black eyed beans turns out perfectly.