Instant Pot Black Beans

Close up of a bowl of black beans topped with cilantro salsa.

Use your Instant Pot or your pressure cooker to make the best black beans! These are lightly seasoned, making them perfect for so many uses! Using low pressure and NPR means the beans come out perfect every time!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 5

Natural Pressure Release 30

Total Time 55

Servings

Calories 111kcal

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

1 pound black beans soaked for 6-10 hours
6 cloves garlic peeled
2 shallots peeled and sliced
salt and pepper to taste
2 thyme sprigs or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cups water or broth

Instructions

Rinse and drain beans.
Add beans, garlic, shallots, red pepper flakes and thyme sprigs to the Instant Pot. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. You can also wait and season at the end if you prefer.
Pour in the water and stir to combine.
Set the sealing valve to sealing, and the pressure to low. Cook at low pressure for 5 minutes. Then allow the pressure to release naturally (do not set the sealing valve to venting.)
When the pressure has released, remove the lid and the thyme sprigs. Smooshe the garlic cloves against the side of the pot and stir. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Notes

These are very simply seasoned. You could add 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of cumin, and a bay leaf in place of the thyme sprigs for beans that are amazing in a burrito.

Nutrition