Can You Cook Beans in a Rice Cooker?
Ah, the beans – a pantry staple with many cooking options. Whether you had them in bulk or oversized bags, dried beans often present a kitchen conundrum. We’ve all been there imagining making soups, snacks, and wholesome burgers with them. But face the challenge to turn these rock-hard legumes into delights.
As a result, people want easy solutions. They wonder if their versatile rice cooker can do this job or not. So, the simple answer is Yes; it can cook beans in it. But as they are rock-hard legumes, you had to follow step-by-step instructions to get the best meal.
This article will explore how you can cook dried beans from scratch in a rice cooker, and how to season them to enhance their flavor. So, let’s begin!
Table of Contents
How to Prepare Beans for Cooking in a Rice Cooker?
Now that you have your answer, you should make beans in a rice cooker. However, preparing beans can be challenging, especially if you need to know the specific requirements for each type. Properly prepping beans is essential to ensure they are safe to eat and have the desired texture when cooked. Here’s a guide to help you prepare beans for cooking:
Rehydrate the Dried Beans
Beans you buy from the store are usually dried to extend their shelf life. Before cooking, you need to have rehydrated them through soaking. This step helps to restore their original texture and remove any undesirable compounds that can lead to stomach issues and potential poisoning.
Different types of beans have various soak times due to their unique properties. Sticking to the recommended soak times is essential to achieve optimal results.
| Bean Type | Bean/Water Ratio | Soak Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Kidney Bean | 1:3 | 24 hours | 30-45 mins |
| Black Bean | 1:3 | 12 hours | 30-45 mins |
| Chickpea | 1:2 | 8 hours | 30 mins |
| Navy Bean | 1:2 | 8 hours | 30 mins |
| Lentil | 1:2 | N/A | 25 mins |
| Pinto Bean | 1:3 | 24 hours | 30-45 mins |
Soaking Process of Beans
Now that you know the required soak time for your bean type. Let’s find out the right soaking process.
Alternative Option: Canned Beans
If you’re short on time, you can opt for canned beans in supermarkets. Canned beans are already pre-cooked and only require rinsing and draining before use. However, if you want to get the best flavour and texture, soaking and cooking dried beans from scratch is recommended.
Homemade Rice Cooker Beans Recipe
How Can You Cook Beans in a Rice Cooker?
Equipment
- A Rice Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 Â lb of dry pinto beans
- 5 cups of water
- 2 diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp of butter or olive oil
- 1 finely chopped medium onion
- 3/4 cup water or broth (optional)
- Salt and pepper for taste
Instructions
- To cook the dry pinto beans, place them in a colander and rinse them under cold water.
- Then, add the rinsed beans and 5 cups of water to the rice cooker.
- Turn on the rice cooker and let the beans cook. Check occasionally to ensure enough water and that the rice cooker doesn't switch to 'warm' mode too early.
- After about two hours of cooking, add diced tomatoes to the beans.
- Then, put chopped onion and butter or olive oil into the mixture.
- Add 3/4 cup of water or broth if you want more liquid in the beans. This step is optional and depends on your preferred consistency.
- Season the beans with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Notes
- If you soak the beans beforehand, cooking time will be reduced.
- Ensure to add the tomatoes after the beans have cooked, as adding them earlier can prevent the beans from softening.
- If you got leftover beans and will eat for your next meal, store them in the refrigerator and reheat them before eating.
How to Cook Rice and Beans in a Rice Cooker?
Rice and beans are among the best meal combos. They are also a complete source of protein and essential nutrients. Cooking this dynamic duo in a rice cooker simplifies the process and ensures an easy, delicious outcome. Here are step-by-step instructions to cook rice and beans in a rice cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Brown rice
- 1 can of drained black beans
- 2 cups of chicken stock
- 1 finely chopped small onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- Saffron threads
- 2 diced tomatoes
- 2 Green chillies
Instructions to follow
- Take a rice cooker cup and measure 1 cup of brown rice.
- Add rice and chicken broth to the rice cooker.
- Cover the lid of the cooker and turn it on.
- After a few minutes, toss in onion, garlic, chillies, and tomatoes.
- Please give it a gentle stir and cover the lid.
- Cook it for another 3 minutes.
- Now, put beans and saffron threads in the pot.
- Cover the rice cooker again and continue cooking until it stops automatically and all the chicken broth has been absorbed.
Best Seasonings for Your Beans Dishes
Some species and herbs will be the ideal seasoning for your bean dishes and enhance their flavour. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Final Verdict
To sum it up, using a rice cooker to cook beans is a definite win. The answer to “Can You Cook Beans in a Rice Cooker?” is absolutely yes. It’s a straightforward process that turns dried beans into tasty meal delights. You can get creative with flavours, making your dishes stand out.
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