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Big-Batch Instant Pot White Beans

This foolproof recipe for Instant Pot white beans is a must-have for any plant-based kitchen. By using dried large lima beans, you achieve a wonderfully creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavour that shop-bought tinned varieties simply cannot match. Infused with garlic, rosemary, and high-quality olive oil, these beans emerge from the pressure cooker perfectly seasoned and ready to be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week.

As a versatile vegan staple, this big-batch recipe is ideal for healthy meal prep. These beans work beautifully when tossed into seasonal salads, stirred into hearty stews, or simply mashed onto toasted sourdough with a drizzle of oil. Since they stay fresh in the fridge for five days and freeze brilliantly, they are a time-saving solution for busy home cooks looking for nutritious, homemade protein.

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Ingredients for Big-Batch Instant Pot White Beans

  • 675g dried large lima beans, rinsed

  • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled, crushed

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons Diamond Crystal or 3 1/2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt

  • 1 sprig rosemary (optional)

  • An Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker

Place beans, garlic, oil, salt, and rosemary (if using) in Instant Pot. Cover with 2400ml cold water. Seal lid and cook at high pressure 14 minutes.

Release pressure manually. If some beans are still slightly undercooked, stir, cover, and use the Keep Warm function until cooked through.

Do Ahead: Beans can be cooked 5 days ahead. Chill in cooking liquid in airtight containers, or freeze in cooking liquid up to 3 months.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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