If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to cook black beans, the Instant Pot is your go-to kitchen appliance. With its pressure cooking capabilities, the Instant Pot can cook black beans to perfection in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. In this article, I will guide you through a simple and flavorful recipe for cooking black beans in an Instant Pot, allowing you to enjoy tender and delicious beans in no time.
1. How To Cook Black Beans in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black beans
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
Rinse the black beans under cold water, removing any debris or stones.
Instant Pot Setup
Place the rinsed and drained black beans in the Instant Pot. Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeno pepper (if desired). Then sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Toss in the bay leaf for added flavor.
Cooking
Pour the water or vegetable broth into the Instant Pot, ensuring that the liquid covers the beans by about 1 inch.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Then select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time to 25 minutes on high pressure.
The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure, and then the cooking process will begin.
Natural Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the beans to finish cooking gently and prevents them from becoming mushy.
After the natural release, carefully move the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure. Be cautious of the hot steam.
Testing for Doneness
Open the Instant Pot and test the black beans for doneness. They should be tender but not overly mushy.
If the beans are not fully cooked, you can return them to the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release.
Seasoning and Serving
Once the black beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder to suit your preference.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the cooked black beans as a side dish, or use them in soups, stews, tacos, or salads.
Using an Instant Pot to cook black beans is a game-changer in terms of convenience and time-saving. With this simple and flavorful recipe, you can have perfectly cooked black beans in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The tender and delicious beans can be used in various dishes, adding a nutritious and satisfying element to your meals. Embrace the ease and speed of cooking black beans in an Instant Pot and enjoy the results!