How Long to Cook Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot? A Complete Guide
Cooking ham and beans in an Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional methods. A delicious and tender pot of ham and beans can be ready in approximately 45-60 minutes of pressure cooking, after which you’ll need to allow for natural pressure release.
Why Cook Ham and Beans in an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot, a popular electric pressure cooker, revolutionizes traditional cooking methods, especially for dishes like ham and beans. Its sealed environment allows food to cook much faster than on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, while still retaining moisture and flavor. This makes it a convenient and efficient option for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty meal without a lengthy cooking process. The Instant Pot is an ideal choice due to:
- Speed: Dramatically reduces cooking time.
- Convenience: Set it and forget it functionality.
- Flavor: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
- Nutrient Retention: Minimizes nutrient loss compared to boiling.
Benefits of Cooking Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot
Beyond speed and convenience, using an Instant Pot for ham and beans offers several other advantages. The pressure cooking process tenderizes the ham beautifully, infusing the beans with its smoky flavor. The sealed environment also helps to prevent the beans from becoming mushy, maintaining their texture while still cooking them through. Here are the core benefits:
- Tenderizes Ham: Pressure cooking breaks down tough ham fibers.
- Infuses Flavor: Intensifies the smoky ham flavor in the beans.
- Maintains Bean Texture: Prevents beans from becoming overly soft.
- One-Pot Meal: Simplifies cleanup with a single cooking vessel.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste of your ham and beans. Here’s a basic list:
- Dried Beans: 1 pound (Great Northern, Navy, or Pinto beans work well)
- Ham: 1-2 pounds (Ham hock, smoked ham shank, or leftover ham)
- Aromatics: 1 onion (diced), 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Broth: 6-8 cups (Chicken or vegetable broth)
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, bay leaf, smoked paprika (optional)
- Water: For soaking beans (optional, but recommended)
Optional Steps:
- Soaking the Beans: Soaking helps to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. You can either soak the beans overnight in cold water or use a quick soak method (boil beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit for 1 hour).
- Sautéing Aromatics: Sautéing the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot before adding other ingredients enhances their flavor.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe
Follow these steps to create a delicious pot of ham and beans in your Instant Pot:
- Sauté (Optional): Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add Ingredients: Add the soaked and drained beans, ham, broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure Cook: Close and lock the Instant Pot lid. Set the valve to the sealing position. Pressure cook on high pressure for 45-60 minutes, depending on the type and age of the beans. (Older beans require longer cooking times).
- Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 20 minutes. This helps prevent the beans from exploding.
- Release Remaining Pressure: Carefully release any remaining pressure manually (QR) after the NPR.
- Shred Ham (Optional): Remove the ham from the Instant Pot and shred or dice it. Return the ham to the pot.
- Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot with cornbread, if desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the ease of the Instant Pot, some common mistakes can affect the outcome of your ham and beans. Avoiding these will ensure a successful and tasty dish.
- Not Soaking Beans: Skipping the soaking step can lead to unevenly cooked beans and longer cooking times.
- Insufficient Liquid: Not enough liquid can result in a burn warning and undercooked beans.
- Overfilling the Pot: Overfilling can prevent the Instant Pot from reaching pressure properly.
- Adding Too Much Salt: Ham is already salty, so be cautious with adding additional salt.
- Releasing Pressure Too Quickly: Quick releasing pressure immediately after cooking can cause beans to burst.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
Several factors influence the cooking time required for ham and beans in the Instant Pot. Consider these when planning your cooking:
- Bean Type: Different bean types have varying cooking times.
- Bean Age: Older beans require longer cooking times.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes require longer cooking times.
- Soaking: Soaked beans cook faster than unsoaked beans.
- Ham Size: Larger pieces of ham may require slightly longer cooking times.
Ham and Bean Cooking Time Table
Here’s a table showing approximate cooking times for different types of beans, taking into account whether or not they’ve been soaked:
| Bean Type | Soaked (Minutes) | Unsoaked (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Great Northern | 45-50 | 55-60 |
| Navy Beans | 40-45 | 50-55 |
| Pinto Beans | 50-55 | 60-65 |
| Kidney Beans | 55-60 | 65-70 |
| Black Beans | 40-45 | 50-55 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
While you can use canned beans, the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same as using dried beans. If you choose to use canned beans, significantly reduce the cooking time to avoid mushy beans. You would likely only need to pressure cook for 5-10 minutes followed by a quick release.
What if I don’t have ham? Can I still make this recipe?
Yes, you can still make a delicious bean soup without ham. Consider using smoked turkey, bacon, or even a smoked sausage for a similar smoky flavor. You could also add smoked paprika to enhance the smoky taste.
My beans are still hard after the recommended cooking time. What should I do?
If your beans are still hard, add more broth and pressure cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. The age of the beans and your altitude can affect cooking time.
Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot ham and beans?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes enhances the flavor and nutritional value of your ham and beans. Add them along with the other ingredients before pressure cooking.
How do I prevent the “burn” warning on my Instant Pot?
Ensure there is enough liquid in the Instant Pot and that nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot before starting the pressure cooking cycle. Deglazing the pot after sautéing the aromatics helps prevent burning. Also, layer the ingredients, putting the liquid in last.
Can I freeze leftover ham and beans?
Yes, ham and beans freeze very well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What’s the difference between natural pressure release and quick pressure release?
Natural pressure release allows the pressure to release slowly on its own, which helps prevent beans from bursting and retains moisture. Quick pressure release immediately releases the pressure, which can be useful when you’re short on time, but can also lead to a mess.
How much water do I need for soaking the beans?
Use enough water to completely cover the beans by at least 2-3 inches. The beans will expand as they soak.
Is it necessary to sauté the onions and garlic before pressure cooking?
No, it’s not necessary, but sautéing enhances the flavor. You can skip this step if you’re short on time.
Can I use a different type of broth besides chicken or vegetable?
Yes, you can use beef broth or even water. However, chicken or vegetable broth will add more flavor to the dish.
How can I make the ham and beans thicker?
After cooking, remove about a cup of the beans and mash them with a fork or potato masher. Return the mashed beans to the pot and stir to thicken the broth. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry and stir it into the soup while simmering on the sauté function.
What is the best type of ham to use?
The best type of ham is a matter of personal preference. Ham hocks provide a smoky, rich flavor, while leftover ham adds a milder taste. Smoked ham shanks are another excellent option. Consider the saltiness of the ham when seasoning the dish.