How To Cook Pinto Beans In A Electric Pressure Cooker

This article describes how to cook pinto beans in a pressure cooker. You can have rich, tender, creamy, ready-to-eat beans in a nutritious cooking broth in fifteen minutes. For cooking beans, pressure cookers are fantastic tools to reduce cooking time and energy consumption. 

Cooked from scratch, dried beans have unrivaled flavor and texture, and cooking beans in an Instant Pot or stovetop pressure cooker is quick. 

There are multiple, faster methods for cooking beans under pressure from scratch. Or you can soak the beans beforehand. Then, after cooking, you can either turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally, or you can “quick-release” the pressure. 

10 to 15 minutes, depending on the pressure cooker should be allotted for the pressure to build and the actual pressure cooking to begin. 

Therefore, tender pinto beans can be prepared in approximately 15 minutes, including the time required to reach pressure. That is with beans that have been soaked and pressure that has been released naturally. In about 35 minutes, pinto beans are tender when cooked with dried beans that have not been soaked. 

With pressure cooking beans, you save time and obtain superior quality beans. Keep dried beans in your pantry. And give your pressure cooker a warm embrace! 

What Are Pinto Beans? 

Beans are essential to a vegan diet. These are highly nutritious and satisfying. There are numerous varieties of beans available on the market. White beans, black beans, red beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are available. Although they are all incredibly flavorful, pinto beans are my favorite. These are frequently associated with Mexican cuisine due to their extensive use. 

Onto beans are the most common type of bean found in grocery stores. They are available in both dried and canned forms. However, the pinto beans are the focus of this recipe. Because they are a common variety of beans, they are also relatively inexpensive. 

Since 3000 BCE, Pinto beans have been widely cultivated in Brazilian cuisine. Nonetheless, they have always been a staple in Mexico. 

Red beans are larger than pinto beans. These also have a light pink hue. In addition, when cooked, these have an earthy flavor. In addition, they have a rich and creamy texture. 

Health Advantages Of Pinto Beans 

Pinto beans are considered a superfood, despite all types of beans having high nutritional value. Here are several health benefits of pinto beans: 

The fiber content of pinto beans is high. As a result, they promote the health of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. As a result, it strengthens the digestive system and promotes regular bowel movements and overall gut health. 

It also aids in regulating blood sugar levels. 

• These are antioxidant rich. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals in the body. As a result, it protects the cells and inhibits the development of cancerous cells. 
• These beans reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. As a result, they protect the heart from numerous diseases and strokes. 
• Because they are high in protein and fiber, these beans help you feel full longer. Consequently, they also aid in weight loss. 
• These minerals are highly abundant such as magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. Additionally, they are low in sodium. 
• Additionally, pinto beans are an excellent source of vitamin B1. 

Do Pinto Beans Require Soaking? 

There is no need to soak pinto beans before cooking them in an instant pot. As a result of the instant pot’s use of a pressure-cooking method, the beans are cooked significantly faster and to an exceptional standard. However, there are advantages to soaking the beans. 

Soaking pinto beans for six to eight hours before cooking will cut the cooking time in half. However, soaked beans tend to split more than dry beans. 

Additionally, soaking pinto beans before cooking makes them easier to digest than unsoaked beans. Because soaking beans removes sugars that cause gas from the beans; as a result, beans cook faster and are easy to digest. 

You can soak the beans for at least six hours if you have the time before cooking them. And if you are in a hurry, you can rinse them and cook them in an instant pot. In either case, you will obtain delicious beans. 

How Do You Prepare Dried Beans in an Instant Pot? 

You can prepare any dried beans in your Instant Pot pressure cooker. Water and beans are all that is required; seasoning is optional. Consult the Instant Pot cookbook for instructions on how long to cook each type of bean. Simple, straightforward, simple! I enjoy preparing Black Bean Soup in my Instant Pot. 

How To Cook Pinto Beans In A Electric Pressure Cooker 

Choosing Beans 

Cooking times for dried beans vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer, contributing to their reputation for being difficult to prepare. Cooking older beans will take longer, but it is difficult to determine their age. Therefore, purchasing beans from a reputable grocer will increase the likelihood of cooking success. More than year-old dried beans should be discarded or used for blind baking. 

Like fruits and vegetables, beans are an agricultural product that should be thoroughly inspected for debris and rinsed before cooking. Small rocks are common in bean bags and can ruin even the best pot. Spread the beans in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet to efficiently remove any broken beans or small debris. 

How to Quick-Soak Beans 

If you have time to soak beans overnight, you should — the result will be creamier beans with fewer split beans — but the beauty of the electric pressure cooker is that you can mimic a long overnight soak by quickly bringing the pot of beans to high pressure for one minute. This identical step will produce a more uniform pot of beans (again, creamier and a few split beans). 

The other advantage of this brief soak is that it provides a rough estimate of the required cooking time for your pot of beans. A very fresh bag of dried chickpeas was fully cooked after one minute at high pressure, so reducing the actual cooking time by two minutes produced almost perfect beans. Similarly, the black beans, still rock-hard after the quick soak, became tender and creamy after a few extra cooking times. 

Learning when to adjust the cooking time may seem time-consuming and intuitive, but it only takes a few pots of beans to recognize older beans that require a longer cook time. 

To make these pinto beans, you will need the following ingredients, so add them to your shopping list: 

Ingredients 

• Dried pinto beans 
• Onion 
• Garlic 
• Cumin 
• Chili powder 
• Dark soy sauce 
• Hot sauce 
• Water or vegetable stock 
• Fresh pepper 

Instructions 

It is straightforward to prepare pinto beans from scratch, and they are very inexpensive when purchased in bulk. 

• When the pot is heated, add oil before adding the onion and garlic. 
• Sauté and stir the onion mixture for approximately 3 minutes, until translucent and soft. 
• Then, add the cumin, hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir for a few seconds. 
• Add water and mix thoroughly. Place the washed pinto beans in the Instant Pot. 
• Now, add the soy sauce and black pepper. 
• Press the “Cancel” button on the pressure cooker. Close and secure the lid and position the valve in the sealing position. 
• Select Pressure cooker or Manual and cook at High Pressure for 50-60 minutes. 
• When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure cooker to release naturally for 15 minutes. Release any remaining tension. 
• Open the Instant Pot and stir. Serve without delay. 

Note: 

Remember that dry beans absorb a great deal of water. I combine one pound of pinto beans with six cups of water. The beans do not drink all six cups of water.  

You will have plenty of delicious bean broth, which you can consume alongside the beans. Allowing the beans to sit in the cooking liquid while they cool will enable them to absorb more of the flavorful broth. 

Season the beans liberally with chopped onion, two bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid, then select Pressure. Cook, set the timer for 50 minutes, and allow the pinto beans to cook. Natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure after the cooking time has expired. That is all! In just over an hour, perfectly cooked pinto beans will be firm but not crunchy. 

I enjoy incorporating these cooked pinto beans into a variety of dishes. You can prepare them as refried beans, add them to your favorite chili with ground beef or turkey, make soup or vegetarian stuffed peppers (coming soon!) or incorporate them into a taco salad. I adore this quinoa salad with pinto beans and avocado dressing. One of my favorite pinto bean dishes is frijoles borrachas, also known as “drunken beans.” 

Plain Instant Pot pinto beans are also delicious. My mother and I kept sneaking tastes of the cooling pinto beans because they are addictive. 

Tips On How Cooking Pinto Beans In A Electric Pressure Cooker 

Although cooking pinto beans in an instant pot is incredibly simple, here are a few tips that will result in perfectly cooked beans: 

• Soak the beans for approximately six hours before cooking if you want them to be mushy. When the beans are ready, mash them with a masher. This will result in a denser and mushier consistency. 
• You may also substitute vegetable broth for water. This will impart more flavor to the beans. 
• Never store hot beans. Allow them to reach room temperature before storing them. 
• Before cooking, it is essential to rinse dried beans twice to three times. Thus, you will eliminate the dust and debris. 
• Ensure that you do not add salt to the beans before cooking them. Thus, they will not become tender. Once the beans are completely cooked, season with salt. 
• If you don’t want to use onion or garlic, you can substitute onion powder and garlic powder. 
• You can also add vegetables such as carrots and celery to the beans. 
• You can completely omit liquid smoke if you choose not to use it. 

Bean Cooking Times in an Electric Pressure Cooker 

These cooking times are designed for electric pressure cookers. Electric pressure cookers have a lower PSI than their stovetop counterparts and thus require a longer cooking time. 

A List of Cook Times* by Bean 

• Black beans: 5 minutes 
• Black-eyed peas: 5 minutes 
• Chickpeas: 15 minutes 
• Cannellini: 8 minutes 
• Kidney beans: 8 minutes 
• Pinto: 8 minutes 

*These times are at High pressure for beans that have been “quick-soaked” using the method above. 

Method of Release 

There are two methods for releasing pressure from pressure cookers: natural and rapid. Natural release means that once the pressure cooker is turned off, the pressure is allowed to release naturally over time; this is essential for beans. The rapid release is when you completely open the pressure valve and quickly release the pressure. Consult your cooker’s manual for instructions on natural and rapid release. 

Cook Time Troubleshooting 

Depending on their age, dried beans can cook significantly faster or slower. Beans sitting on a grocery store shelf or in your pantry for a considerable amount of time may take longer to cook than beans that have been freshly packaged; thus, some batches of the same type of beans may take longer to cook than others.  

In our chart, we have erred on the side of undercooked beans for the following reasons: If, after releasing the pressure from your pressure cooker, the beans are not fully cooked, you can always return them to pressure for additional time. Once the beans are overcooked, there is no turning back. Start with 2 minutes of extra pressure on HIGH pressure, followed by 5 minutes of natural release. This works particularly well with beans that are only slightly undercooked. 

How To Store Leftover Pinto Beans 

You have the following storage options for these Instant Pot pinto beans: 

• Refrigerator – you can store pinto beans in the fridge. Allow them to cool completely before continuing. Please place them in an airtight, airtight container or a Ziploc bag. They can be refrigerated for up to five days. 
• Additionally, pinto beans can be frozen for up to five months. Again, allow the pinto beans to cool completely before storing them with the Instant Pot liquids in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. 

How To Reheat Pinto Beans 

If you have cooked and refrigerated or frozen pinto beans, you have several options for reheating them: 

• Instant Pot: You can reheat pinto beans in your pressure cooker or Instant Pot. If they are frozen, place them in a pot with 1/3 cup of water. Turn the valve to the sealing position and cook for 8 minutes on Pressure Cooking, Steam, or Manual. If your pinto beans are not frozen, set the timer for 5 minutes, natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release. 
• Dutch oven: A second method for reheating pinto beans is to place them in a Dutch oven, add 1/3 to 1/2 cup water, bring to a simmer, and let the beans warm through in 5 minutes. 

How to Thicken Cooking Liquid 

Press the Sauté button with the lid removed to thicken the cooking liquid. In approximately 10 minutes, the liquid will reduce and become more flavorful as it begins to boil and evaporate. 

For a thicker option, you can mash some of the beans in the bottom of the pot until the desired consistency is reached. 

What To Serve With Instant Pot Pinto Beans? 

Pinto beans are adaptable. You can eat it alone or as a side dish or main dish. It pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions: 

• You can pair pressure-cooked pinto beans with cooked Rice, Jollof Rice, Turmeric Coconut Rice, or Quinoa. 
• You can serve them with quinoa and reap the many benefits of this combination. 
• It pairs well with flatbread. 
• You may also serve it with gluten-free cornbread or another toasted bread slice. 
• You can also use pinto beans as a dip. Mash it with a masher and serve with tortilla chips and Vegan Cheese Sauce. It becomes a delicious dipping sauce.