Imagine transforming simple dried black beans into a creamy, flavor-packed side dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico - all in just 35 minutes! These pressure cooker refried black beans are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, offering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy home cook or a Mexican cuisine enthusiast, this recipe will revolutionize the way you think about beans forever.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the dried black beans under cold running water. Remove any debris or damaged beans, then place them in the pressure cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and cumin to the pressure cooker with the beans.
- Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. This will ensure that the beans have enough liquid to cook properly.
- Seal the pressure cooker lid securely and set it to high pressure. If using an electric pressure cooker, select the 'Beans' or 'Manual' setting.
- Cook the beans at high pressure for 30 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the beans for tenderness. If they are not soft enough, you can cook them for an additional 5-10 minutes under pressure.
- Once the beans are tender, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the liquid and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Reserve some of the cooking liquid.
- Using a potato masher or fork, mash the beans to your desired consistency. For a creamier texture, you can add a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid as needed.
- Stir in the lime juice and season with salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Transfer the refried black beans to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade refried black beans as a side dish, in tacos, burritos, or as a dip!
Tips
- Always sort and rinse your dried beans before cooking to remove any small stones or damaged beans.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a piece of bacon during cooking for deeper complexity.
- The consistency of refried beans is a personal preference - mash them less for a chunkier texture or more for a smooth, creamy result.
- If the beans seem dry while mashing, gradually add reserved cooking liquid to achieve your desired consistency.
- Don't skip the lime juice - it adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
- These beans freeze beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick and easy side dish anytime.
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the beans.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
