How Long Do You Boil Beans On The Stove

How long do you boil beans on the stove?

The answer depends on the type of bean, but most beans take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours of simmering on the stove.

If you’ve been wondering how long do you boil beans on the stove, you’re in the right place.

The truth is there’s no single answer because beans come in all shapes and sizes.

Some cook fast, while others need a long, slow simmer to get tender.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to boil beans on the stove for the most common varieties, plus tips to get them perfectly soft every time.

Let’s get cooking.

How Long Do You Boil Beans on the Stove?

When you boil beans on the stove, the cooking time really comes down to the variety and whether they’ve been soaked.
 
Here’s a quick guide so you know how long to boil beans on the stove:

1. Black Beans

Black beans take about 1 to 1.5 hours to boil on the stove when soaked.
 
If you’re cooking unsoaked black beans, expect closer to 2 hours.
 
They’re done when they’re tender but still hold their shape.

2. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans need a solid 1 to 1.5 hours of boiling on the stove after soaking.
 
Never eat them undercooked by the way, as raw kidney beans contain a toxin that’s destroyed by a hard boil.
 
So boil kidney beans on the stove for at least 10 minutes at a full rolling boil before lowering to a simmer.

3. Pinto Beans

Pinto beans take around 1.5 to 2 hours to boil on the stove when soaked.
 
Unsoaked, they can take closer to 2.5 hours.
 
They’re ready when they mash easily against the side of the pot.

4. Chickpeas

Chickpeas are tough little guys, so they need 1.5 to 2 hours of boiling on the stove after soaking.
 
Some people boil chickpeas on the stove for up to 3 hours if they weren’t soaked overnight.

5. Lentils

Lentils are the speedy ones, taking only 20 to 30 minutes.
 
You don’t even need to soak them before you boil them on the stove.
 
Red lentils cook even faster, sometimes in just 15 minutes.

Does Soaking Change How Long You Boil Beans on the Stove?

Yes, soaking makes a big difference in how long you boil beans on the stove.
 
Soaked beans typically cook in about half the time of unsoaked ones.
 
And soaking also helps beans cook more evenly, so you don’t end up with some mushy and some still hard.

1. Overnight Soak

The classic method is to soak beans in cold water overnight, for at least 8 hours.
 
This softens the skins and lets them cook faster when you boil beans on the stove the next day.

2. Quick Soak

Short on time?
 
Just boil beans on the stove for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them sit for an hour.
 
Drain, rinse, and then boil beans on the stove again until tender.

Tips for Perfectly Boiled Beans on the Stove

Knowing how long do you boil beans on the stove is only half the battle.
 
Here are a few tips to make sure they turn out great every time.

1. Don’t Add Salt Too Early

Adding salt at the start can toughen the skins, making beans take longer to soften.
 
Wait until the last 10 minutes of cooking, or salt them after they’re done.

2. Skim the Foam

As you boil beans on the stove, a foam will rise to the top.
 
Skim it off with a spoon to keep the cooking water clean and reduce gassiness.

3. Keep Them Covered with Water

Beans should stay submerged by about 2 inches of water the whole time.
 
If the water gets low, add more hot water, not cold, so you don’t stop the simmer.

4. Simmer, Don’t Boil Hard

A gentle simmer is what you want after the initial boil.
 
A hard, rolling boil can break the beans apart before they’re fully cooked.

So, How Long Do You Boil Beans on the Stove?

How long do you boil beans on the stove depends on the variety and whether you soaked them first.
 
Most soaked beans take 45 minutes to 2 hours, while lentils are done in about 20 to 30 minutes.
 
Soaking cuts the time roughly in half and helps them cook evenly.
 
Now that you know how long do you boil beans on the stove, grab a pot and get simmering.