Instant Pot® Cuban-Style Black Beans

Black beans are a staple in Cuban cooking, typically served with either yellow or white rice. Give them a good squeeze of fresh lime juice, garnish with some chopped cilantro (we also add some chopped onion and a drizzle of olive oil), and you're in for a treat. These beans freeze well and reheat beautifully in the microwave.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 234 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 3 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper
• 1 pound dried black beans
• 1 (1.41 ounce) package sazon seasoning (such as Goya®) (Optional)
• 2 limes, cut into wedges, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Add chopped bacon and cook until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Add onion and jalapeno and cook until tender, about 5 minutes more. Add garlic and saute another 30 seconds.

Step 2

Add water, chicken broth, dried beans, vinegar, sazon, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir. Close and lock the lid, select Manual function, and set timer for 40 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

Step 3

Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions for 15 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Stir beans and remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Serve beans with a wedge of fresh lime and garnish with cilantro.