How Long Do You Cook Garbanzo Beans

You can cook garbanzo beans in about 1 to 2 hours if you’re starting with dried beans, though the exact time depends on whether you soak them first, how old they are, and how tender you want them.
 
If you’re using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, that time drops to around 35 to 50 minutes, which is a game changer on busy days.
 
And if you’re working with canned garbanzo beans, well, you basically just need to heat them up for a few minutes.
 
So when people ask how long do you cook garbanzo beans, the honest answer is: it depends on your method, but I’ve got you covered with all the details below.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how long to cook garbanzo beans on the stove, in a pressure cooker, and even in a slow cooker, plus a few tips to get them perfectly tender every single time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Long Do You Cook Garbanzo Beans on the Stove?

When you cook garbanzo beans on the stovetop, the process is simple but it does take some patience.
 
Here’s the breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.
 

1. Soaked Garbanzo Beans: 1 to 1.5 Hours

If you soak your garbanzo beans overnight, they’ll cook in about 1 to 1.5 hours at a gentle simmer.
 
Soaking softens the beans and cuts down the cooking time significantly.
 
Just drain the soaking water, add fresh water, and bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat.
 
Then let them simmer until they’re tender but not mushy.
 

2. Unsoaked Garbanzo Beans: 2 to 3 Hours

If you skip the soak, you can still cook garbanzo beans perfectly well, but you’ll need to plan for 2 to 3 hours of simmering.
 
The beans will take longer to soften because the water has to work its way through the entire bean.
 
Some people add a pinch of baking soda to the water to speed things up, and it actually works.
 
Just don’t overdo it or you’ll taste the soda.
 

3. How to Tell When They’re Done

The best way to know when your garbanzo beans are done is to taste one.
 
It should be creamy all the way through with no chalky center.
 
You can also pinch a bean between your fingers; if it squishes easily, it’s ready.
 
If it still feels firm in the middle, keep cooking and check again in 15-minute intervals.
 

How Long Do You Cook Garbanzo Beans in a Pressure Cooker?

If you want to cook garbanzo beans fast, a pressure cooker or Instant Pot is your best friend.
 
Here’s how long it takes depending on whether you soak them.
 

1. Soaked Garbanzo Beans: 35 to 40 Minutes

Soaked garbanzo beans cook in about 35 to 40 minutes under high pressure.
 
Add enough water to cover them by a couple of inches, lock the lid, and let the pressure do its thing.
 
Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before opening the valve.
 

2. Unsoaked Garbanzo Beans: 45 to 50 Minutes

Unsoaked garbanzo beans take a bit longer, usually around 45 to 50 minutes at high pressure.
 
They still come out tender and creamy, and you skip the overnight soak entirely.
 
This is honestly my favorite way to cook garbanzo beans when I’m short on time.
 

3. A Quick Tip for Better Flavor

Toss a bay leaf, a clove of garlic, or a piece of kombu seaweed into the pot before cooking.
 
These add depth and also help make the beans easier to digest.
 
Just remove the bay leaf and kombu before serving.
 

How Long Do You Cook Garbanzo Beans in a Slow Cooker?

Your slow cooker is another hands-off way to cook garbanzo beans while you go about your day.
 
Here’s the timing you can expect.
 

1. Soaked Garbanzo Beans: 6 to 8 Hours on Low

Soaked garbanzo beans need about 6 to 8 hours on low heat in a slow cooker.
 
They’ll slowly absorb the liquid and turn wonderfully tender.
 
Just make sure there’s enough water so they don’t dry out.
 

2. Unsoaked Garbanzo Beans: 8 to 10 Hours on Low

Unsoaked beans take closer to 8 to 10 hours on low, or about 5 to 6 hours on high.
 
This method is forgiving, so even if you leave them a little longer, they usually hold up fine.
 

3. Watch the Water Level

Slow cookers lose moisture over time, so check your garbanzo beans every few hours.
 
Add more hot water if the beans start peeking above the surface.
 
Nobody wants dry, tough beans after waiting all day.
 

So, How Long Do You Cook Garbanzo Beans?

You cook garbanzo beans for about 1 to 2 hours on the stove, 35 to 50 minutes in a pressure cooker, or 6 to 10 hours in a slow cooker, depending on whether you soak them first.
 
The key takeaway is that garbanzo beans are flexible and forgiving, so you can pick whichever method fits your schedule.
 
Soak them overnight for faster cooking, or skip the soak and let your pressure cooker handle the work.
 
Either way, you’ll end up with creamy, tender garbanzo beans that are perfect for hummus, soups, salads, and everything in between.
 
Now you know exactly how long do you cook garbanzo beans, so go ahead and get a pot started.