How Long to Cook Garbanzo Beans in Pressure Cooker? Tips & Techniques

By Avi Green December 01, 2023

For barbecue enthusiasts who love making everything from scratch, cooking garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas) in a pressure cooker can be a game-changer. One of the first questions that might pop into your mind: how long to cook garbanzo beans in pressure cooker? Let's get into the details and master this skill together!

how long to cook garbanzo beans in pressure cooker

Understanding Garbanzo Beans

Before we dive into the cooking process, it's essential to understand what garbanzo beans are. Garbanzo beans are a type of legume known for their mild, nutty flavor and versatility in a wide range of dishes. They are packed with protein, fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals.

Traditionally, garbanzo beans require a long soaking period and an extended cooking time on the stove. However, using a pressure cooker can significantly cut down the cooking time while retaining all the nutrients and flavors they offer.

Why Use a Pressure Cooker?

A pressure cooker is an invaluable tool for barbecue enthusiasts. Pressure cooking utilizes steam under high pressure to cook food faster than conventional methods. This not only reduces cooking time but also helps in preserving the nutrients and flavors of the food. For more information on why pressure cooking is beneficial, you can read this detailed article from Pressure Cook Recipes.

Soaking Your Beans

Although cooking garbanzo beans in a pressure cooker will drastically reduce the cooking time, pre-soaking them is still highly recommended. Soaking the beans helps in breaking down the complex sugars, which can cause digestive issues, and ensures even cooking.

Quick Soak Method

For those who don't have the time for an overnight soak, the quick soak method is a viable alternative. Heres how you can quick soak garbanzo beans:

Add your beans to the pressure cooker and cover them with water.
Seal the pressure cooker and bring it to high pressure for one minute.
Turn off the heat and let the beans soak for one hour while still sealed.

Cooking Garbanzo Beans in Pressure Cooker

Once your beans are soaked, it's time to cook them. Heres a step-by-step guide on how long to cook garbanzo beans in pressure cooker:

Step-by-Step Guide

Drain and rinse the soaked garbanzo beans.
Add the beans back to the pressure cooker and cover them with fresh water. The water level should be about 1-2 inches above the beans.
Seal the pressure cooker and bring it to high pressure.
Cook the beans for 12-15 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your pressure cooker. Always refer to your manual for specific instructions.
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Check the beans for doneness. If they are still a bit firm, you can seal the cooker again and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

And there you have it! Perfectly cooked garbanzo beans in less than an hour.

Utilizing Garbanzo Beans in Barbecue Recipes

Garbanzo beans arent just for hummus! Here are some unique barbecue-friendly dishes where these beans can shine:

Grilled Garbanzo Bean Burgers

Mix the cooked beans with spices, breadcrumbs, and eggs to form patties. Grill them like you would beef or pork burgers for a vegetarian option that doesnt skimp on flavor.

Garbanzo Bean Salad

Combine your cooked beans with grilled vegetables and a tangy dressing for a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with barbecue staples like ribs or brisket.

FAQs

Do I need to soak garbanzo beans before pressure cooking?

While soaking is not absolutely necessary, it is highly recommended for even cooking and easier digestion.

What is the quick soak method?

The quick soak method involves bringing the beans to high pressure for one minute and then allowing them to soak for an hour in the sealed pressure cooker.