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How long to simmer black beans depends on whether you’re using dried beans or canned beans, and it usually takes anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes for dried beans on the stovetop.
If you’ve been asking yourself how long to simmer black beans because you want them tender, creamy, and full of flavor, the answer isn’t a single number.
It depends on your cooking method, the age of your beans, and whether you soaked them first.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to simmer black beans on the stove, in a pressure cooker, and in a slow cooker, plus a few tips to get them perfectly soft every time.
Let’s get into it.
How Long to Simmer Black Beans on the Stovetop
When you simmer black beans on the stovetop, the process is simple but it does take some patience.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Soaked Beans Take 60 to 90 Minutes
If you soak your black beans overnight, they’ll typically simmer to tenderness in about 60 to 90 minutes.
Soaking softens the beans and cuts down on cooking time significantly.
Just bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let them go until they’re soft.
2. Unsoaked Beans Take 90 to 120 Minutes
If you skip the soak, you’ll need to simmer black beans for closer to 90 to 120 minutes.
The beans are drier and denser, so they need more time to absorb water and soften up.
You can still get great results, you just have to plan for the extra time.
3. Altitude and Bean Age Affect Timing
Older beans take longer to soften, sometimes much longer than you’d expect.
And if you’re cooking at high altitude, water boils at a lower temperature, which means you may need to simmer black beans for an extra 15 to 30 minutes.
So always test a bean or two before you pull them off the heat.
How Long to Simmer Black Beans in a Pressure Cooker
If you want to cut down on how long to simmer black beans, a pressure cooker is your best friend.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. Soaked Beans Take 8 to 12 Minutes
In an electric pressure cooker, soaked black beans cook in just 8 to 12 minutes at high pressure.
That’s a massive time saver compared to the stovetop.
Add your beans, water or broth, and let the machine do the work.
2. Unsoaked Beans Take 20 to 25 Minutes
Even without soaking, you can simmer black beans in a pressure cooker in about 20 to 25 minutes.
This is perfect for those days when you forgot to soak them the night before.
Just remember to add a little extra liquid since unsoaked beans absorb more.
3. Natural Release Makes a Difference
After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 to 15 minutes.
This extra time helps the beans finish softening without turning mushy.
So the total time from start to finish is still way less than simmering on the stove.
How Long to Simmer Black Beans in a Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is hands-off, but you still need to know how long to simmer black beans so they come out right.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Soaked Beans Take 6 to 8 Hours on Low
Soaked black beans simmer to perfection in a slow cooker in about 6 to 8 hours on low.
You can set it in the morning and come home to fully cooked beans.
Just make sure there’s enough liquid to keep them covered.
2. Unsoaked Beans Take 8 to 10 Hours on Low
Unsoaked beans need more time, usually 8 to 10 hours on low.
Some people even cook them on high for 4 to 5 hours to speed things up.
Either way, you’ll want to check them near the end so they don’t overcook.
3. Keep the Lid On
Every time you lift the lid, you lose heat and add cooking time.
So resist the urge to peek too often when you simmer black beans in a slow cooker.
Trust the process and let them do their thing.
Tips for Perfectly Simmered Black Beans
Knowing how long to simmer black beans is half the battle, but a few extra tips can make a big difference.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Don’t Add Salt Too Early
Adding salt at the beginning can toughen the skins and slow down softening.
Wait until the beans are almost done, then season to taste.
This way, you can simmer black beans without worrying about them staying hard.
2. Add Acid at the End
Things like lemon juice, vinegar, or tomatoes can also keep beans from softening.
So if you’re making a recipe with acidic ingredients, add them after the beans are tender.
That way, you won’t have to simmer black beans any longer than necessary.
3. Skim the Foam
As your beans cook, a foam will rise to the surface.
Skimming it off keeps the cooking liquid clean and helps reduce gas-causing compounds.
It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
So, How Long to Simmer Black Beans?
How long to simmer black beans comes down to your method and whether you soaked them first.
On the stovetop, soaked beans take 60 to 90 minutes, while unsoaked beans need up to 2 hours.
In a pressure cooker, you’re looking at 8 to 25 minutes, and in a slow cooker, 6 to 10 hours.
Test your beans as they cook, taste as you go, and you’ll end up with a pot of tender, creamy black beans every single time.