How to Cook Black Beans From Scratch (Stovetop and Instant Pot)

Combine 1 pound of rinsed dried black beans with 1/2 medium onion, 3 peeled garlic cloves, and 1 bay leaf in a pot.

Cover the beans with water.

Cover the pot and bring to a simmer.

Uncover and reduce the heat so that little bubbles pop around the beans.

Cook at this low simmer until the beans are tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

If the beans look dry, add more water to the pot.

When the beans are tender, remove the onion and bay leaf.

Squeeze in the juice of 1/2 lime and season with salt.

Serve the beans straight away or simmer a little longer until the liquid thickens and sticks to the beans.

To make in a pressure cooker, add the beans, onion, garlic, bay leaf, a bit of oil, and enough water to cover them by 1 1/2 inches.

Secure the lid and cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes, then naturally release for 20 minutes.

Release all remaining pressure, open the lid, remove the onion and bay leaf, and season with lime juice and salt.

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: