How Long To Cook Dried Garbanzo Beans

How long to cook dried garbanzo beans depends on your method, but the short answer is that they typically take between 1 and 2.5 hours when simmered on the stovetop.
 
If you use a pressure cooker, that time drops to about 35 to 50 minutes, and in a slow cooker, you’re looking at 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low.
 
So the real answer to how long to cook dried garbanzo beans is that it depends on whether you soak them first and what appliance you’re using.
 
Either way, the result should be creamy, tender beans that hold their shape without being mushy.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to cook dried garbanzo beans using every common method, plus a few tips to get them perfect every single time.
 
Let’s get to it.

How Long to Cook Dried Garbanzo Beans on the Stovetop

The most traditional way to cook dried garbanzo beans is on the stovetop, and it’s also where you have the most control over the final texture.
 
Here’s what you need to know about cook times.

1. Soaked Garbanzo Beans Take 1 to 1.5 Hours

If you’ve soaked your dried garbanzo beans overnight, they’ll usually cook in about 60 to 90 minutes of gentle simmering.
 
After soaking, the beans have already absorbed water, so the cooking time to make them tender is cut roughly in half.
 
Bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer until they’re soft enough to mash easily between your fingers.
 

2. Unsoaked Garbanzo Beans Take 2 to 2.5 Hours

No time to soak?
 
You can still cook dried garbanzo beans straight from the bag, but expect the process to take around 2 to 2.5 hours.
 
The beans will need extra time to soften because they’re starting from a completely dry state.
 
Just keep an eye on the water level and add more hot water as needed so the beans stay submerged.
 

3. Altitude and Bean Freshness Affect Timing

Here’s a factor most people overlook: older beans take longer to cook than fresh ones, sometimes by an extra 30 minutes or more.
 
And if you live at a high altitude, water boils at a lower temperature, which means your dried garbanzo beans will need more time to become tender.
 
So when you’re figuring out how long to cook dried garbanzo beans, always taste-test rather than relying strictly on the clock.
 

How Long to Cook Dried Garbanzo Beans in a Pressure Cooker

If speed is what you’re after, a pressure cooker or Instant Pot is your best friend when cooking dried garbanzo beans.
 
Here’s how the timing breaks down.

1. Soaked Beans Cook in 35 to 40 Minutes

For soaked dried garbanzo beans, cook them on high pressure for about 35 to 40 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes.
 
This gives you perfectly tender beans in a fraction of the stovetop time.
 

2. Unsoaked Beans Cook in 45 to 50 Minutes

You can absolutely cook unsoaked dried garbanzo beans in a pressure cooker too.
 
Just add 45 to 50 minutes of high-pressure cooking time, plus the natural release.
 
It’s the fastest route from dry bean to creamy, cooked garbanzo bean.
 

How Long to Cook Dried Garbanzo Beans in a Slow Cooker

If you’d rather set it and forget it, your slow cooker can handle dried garbanzo beans beautifully, though it takes patience.

1. Soaked Beans Need 3 to 4 Hours on High

Soaked dried garbanzo beans cook in about 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low in a slow cooker.
 
This method is forgiving, so if you leave them a little longer, they’ll still turn out fine.
 

2. Unsoaked Beans Need 6 to 8 Hours on High

For unsoaked dried garbanzo beans, plan for 6 to 8 hours on high.
 
Keep in mind that slow cookers vary in temperature, so the exact time to cook dried garbanzo beans this way can shift depending on your machine.
 

Tips for Cooking Dried Garbanzo Beans Perfectly

Knowing how long to cook dried garbanzo beans is only half the battle.
 
These simple tips make sure they come out creamy and delicious every time.

1. Soak Overnight for Even Cooking

Soaking dried garbanzo beans for 8 to 12 hours helps them cook more evenly and reduces the time needed on the heat.
 
Add a pinch of baking soda to the soaking water if you want extra-soft beans.
 

2. Skip the Salt Until the End

Salting the water early can toughen the skins of dried garbanzo beans, so wait until they’re fully tender before seasoning.
 
Once they’re done, stir in your salt and let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavor.
 

3. Save the Cooking Liquid

That starchy water left after cooking dried garbanzo beans is called aquafaba, and it’s liquid gold.
 
You can use it to make vegan mayo, whip it into meringue, or add body to soups and stews.
 

4. Cook Extra and Freeze the Rest

Once you know how long to cook dried garbanzo beans, consider making a big batch.
 
Cooked beans freeze beautifully for up to 6 months, so you’ll always have them ready for hummus, salads, or curries.
 

So, How Long to Cook Dried Garbanzo Beans?

How long to cook dried garbanzo beans comes down to your chosen method, but the good news is there’s a perfect option for every schedule.
 
On the stovetop, soaked beans take 1 to 1.5 hours and unsoaked ones take 2 to 2.5 hours, while a pressure cooker gets the job done in 35 to 50 minutes.
 
A slow cooker stretches things out to 3 to 8 hours, but it rewards you with hands-off convenience.
 
Now that you know how long to cook dried garbanzo beans, grab a bag, pick your method, and enjoy creamy, homemade beans that beat anything from a can.