How long does it take to cook black and pinto beans?

The process of cooking black and pinto beans typically requires about 20 minutes once they have reached a boiling point. This duration allows the beans to cook thoroughly and achieve optimal softness without losing their structure. Cooking beans for this amount of time ensures they are adequately heated and ready for serving, while also enhancing their flavor. Quick cooking methods such as 5 or 10 minutes are insufficient for ensuring that beans are fully cooked, as they would remain hard and potentially unappetizing. Although 30 minutes may also seem reasonable, it could lead to overcooked beans that lose texture and become mushy. Therefore, 20 minutes strikes the right balance in cooking time, producing beans that are perfectly tender and flavorful.