Never look at a pot of humble Instant Pot pinto beans the same again!! With loads of flavor and melt in your mouth tender beans, this recipe is a MUST for pinto bean lovers! The best pot of beans EVER!
I never thought I could love beans so much. But these homestyle pressure cooker pinto beans changed everything for me!
I mean, it is a pot of beans, how special could it be? You could be wondering this…just maybe.
But every. Single. Time I make these beans (Teacher-Appreciation week, parties, for the family & neighbors) people go nuts over these. They comment how flipping delicious they are. I am telling you…done right…you will never look at a humble pot of pinto beans quite the same again!
And there will be no bank-breaking with this recipe….organic dried beans are very affordable.
I used my old pressure cooker for this recipe originally, and now I use my Instant Pot, which takes minutes to perfectly cook my soaked beans as opposed to hours. I simply ADORE my Instant Pot and think everyone should own one!
Credit for this recipe and technique go to my good friend and neighbor, Glenda. I had her teach me how to make a traditional pot of Puerto Rican beans. And I have never looked back…and consequently I think a can of refried beans would be sacrilege now! Gracias mi amiguita!
Wait until the beans are tender but not quite done to add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a couple teaspoons of salt to the pot. The apple cider vinegar breaks down indigestible sugars to help digestion and also brightens the flavor of the beans without the need for excess salt.
Can I make these ranchera style pinto beans ahead of time?
I like to make a big batch of these pinto beans and freeze the leftovers in individual mason jars.
Just be sure to leave some room to allow for expansion!
Should I soak my beans before cooking them?
By soaking the beans in an acid medium, you are helping break down some of the sugars that make beans more difficult to digest. So soaking = better digestion, check!
So if you normally get some toots eating beans, this might be your savior!
On top of that, you are unlocking the nutrients and making them more available to your body. Just DO it!
Yes, you can bypass this step and cook your beans longer…or follow Whole New Mom’s technique for the quick-soak method!
HOW TO DE-GAS THOSE MAGIC BEANS – “THE BASICS”
FAQ
Is vinegar good for beans?
Does adding vinegar to beans reduce gas?
What do you put in beans to make them taste better?
How much apple cider vinegar in soaking beans?
How do you flavor pinto beans?
Here are a few more ideas for flavoring this pinto beans recipe: Add sauteed chopped bacon to the pot. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons liquid from a can of chipotle chilis in adobo for smoky heat. Add a few pinches red pepper flakes for a zing. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons tomato paste for a tangy, full-bodied sauce.
Are pinto beans healthy?
Pinto beans are extremely nutritious. They are primarily composed of carbohydrates, protein and fiber. In particular, they boast plenty of thiamine, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids are present in pinto beans which protect the cells against damage free radicles. Kaempferol present in pinto beans may provide anticancer benefits.
What can I do with cooked pinto beans?
Bulk up chili. Add cooked pinto beans to your favorite chili recipe to bulk up the beefy stew, or to turn it into a cozy vegetarian dinner. Make the best refried beans. Canned refried beans are no match for the homemade variety — especially when you use these perfectly prepared pintos.
How do you clean pinto beans?
Clean and Soak: Place 1 pound of dry pinto beans in a bowl, and pick out any rocks or beans that are broken. Cover with water at least two inches above the beans. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. They should double in size. Add more water if the beans begin to stick above the water line.