Instant Pot Lima Beans

With an Instant Pot and 30 minutes (after soaking), you can make perfectly cooked baby lima beans every time! Let us show you how.

Instant Pot Lima Beans

The Instant Pot is our preferred method for cooking lima beans because it’s quick, easy, and yields perfectly tender beans!

While most beans don’t need to be soaked before cooking in the Instant Pot, we highly recommend soaking lima beans. We tested not washing them, but the center of the beans wouldn’t fully cook.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Soak the beans for at least 6-8 hours, then drain
• Ratio = 1 part baby lima beans : 3 parts water
• Cook Time = 5-7 minutes
• Release = 15 minute natural release, then release any remaining pressure

Baby lima beans have a mild, creamy, buttery flavor and texture, making them incredibly versatile and delicious. They can be enjoyed in stews, soups, salads, and more. And they’re even delicious by the spoonful!

Ingredients

• 1 cup baby lima beans (white, not green)
• 3 cups water (or vegetable broth for more flavor)

Instructions

• Add lima beans to a bowl and cover with cool water by about 3 inches (ensuring they’re well submerged). Soak overnight or for at least 6-8 hours at room temperature.
• Drain lima beans, then add to the Instant Pot. Add water and stir to prevent sticking. Pressure cook on high for 5-7 minutes (it will take about 8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins).
• Once the timer goes off, allow it to release for 15 minutes naturally, then release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid once the steam has fully escaped, and strain off any excess cooking liquid.
• Enjoy immediately in stews, soups, salads, and more. Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop, adding a little water, as needed, to prevent sticking.