How to Cook Anazaki Beans 
Anazaki beans can be used interchangeably with pinto beans or red beans. They have a creamy mild flavor that seems almost sweet compared to a pinto bean. I found these organic anazaki beans in the bulk section at H.E.B. Central Market.
Because they were a little smaller than the pinto bean, I cooked them in the pressure cooker for about 25 minutes. I allowed the pressure cooker to cool down on it's own, before removing the lid. I've come to learn that I get a better bean broth and bean texture when I allow the cooker to cool down on it's own, rather than cooling it under running water. It doesn't really take any longer to wait. I always end up prepping some other part of the meal while I'm waiting, like cooking rice.
HERE'S ALL IT TAKES
- 3 cup dried anazuki beans
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 2 large garlic cloves, halved
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Water- enough to cover the beans with 2-inches of water, 5-5 1/2 cups
All beans need to be rinsed and checked for foreign objects
Follow your pressure cooker's user manual for specific cooking directions.
Put all the ingredients in the pressure cooker. For my Presto 6 quart pressure cooker, I close the cover securely. Place pressure regulator on the vent pipe. I use a high heat setting to heat up the pressure cooker until the pressure regulator starts chattering, then I immediately lower the heat to medium low.
Cooking time begins when the pressure regulator begins to rock. Reduce the heat to medium low or low, maintaining a slow, steady rocking motion and cook 25 minutes. If the pressure regulator is allowed to rock vigorously, excess steam will escape. Therefore, too much liquid will evaporate and food may scorch. Never leave a pressure cooker unattended at high heat settings. It could boil dry, overheat, and cause damage to the pressure cooker and stove top.
When cooking time is complete, turn off the burner. If using electric stove, CAREFULLY remove cooker away from burner. Let the pressure drop of its own accord, i.e. allow to cool until pressure is COMPLETELY REDUCED and the lid lock drops. It is now safe to remove the pressure regulator and the cover. If the cover turns hard, there still may be some pressure in the unit. Do not force the cover off. You can place the pressure cooker in the sink and run cold tap water over the lid until steam no longer is escaping from the vent pipe, the air vent/cover lock has dropped, and the cover turns easily.
The beans are ready to serve.
Safety is important and it's good to know how to properly handle a pressure cooker. They really are great to have in the kitchen. Yes, you have to learn how to use them properly, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of using one. After that, you won't want to cook beans the long slow again.
I ended up using the anazaki beans in my baked spinach and rice dish and the rest went into a quick bean dip when my friends came over.
