Instant Pot Beans
Dried beans such as pinto or navy and smoked ham hock or diced ham come together in this pork β 60 minutes, 6 steps, and the kind of result worth repeating. Scroll down for the ingredient checklist, a serving scaler and unit converter, and the method broken into 6 steps.
You'll mainly reach for large pot and saucepan. At medium difficulty across 6 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.
What you'll need
Shopping list (2)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
π Unit converter
How to make it
- Rinse the dried beans under cold water and pick through them, discarding any grit or shriveled beans; no overnight soak is needed for the pressure cooker.
- Add the beans, water, quartered onion, smashed garlic, ham hock or diced ham, bay leaf, and cumin to the Instant Pot, but hold off on the salt for now as it can keep the beans firm.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 to 40 minutes (use the longer time for larger or older beans).
- When the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes before carefully moving the valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
- Open the lid, remove the bay leaf, and if using a ham hock lift it out, pull off the meat, and stir it back into the pot, discarding the bone and skin.
- Season the beans generously with salt and black pepper to taste, and if you prefer a thicker pot liquor, simmer on the saute setting for a few minutes or mash a ladleful of beans against the side.
You'll use: Large pot Β· Saucepan Β· Pressure cooker Β· Steamer
Tips & common questions
How long does Instant Pot Beans take to make?
About 60 minutes from start to finish β an estimate based on the 6 steps and 9 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes β use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Instant Pot Beans is an original recipe developed in-house by Consomee. Photo: Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Vegetables and Quinoa (44383321600).jpg by Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure on top β how we source recipes.