Welcome to our culinary journey where today, we're diving into a hearty, flavor-packed recipe that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen: Instant Pot Black Beans. This dish not only embodies the essence of comfort food but also showcases the versatility and ease of using an Instant Pot. Perfect for any day of the week, these beans are great as a side, in tacos, or as a base for numerous other dishes. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried Black Beans
• 8 cups Water
• ½ cup Beastly Freeze Dried Diced Onion
• 2-3 Beastly Freeze Dried Garlic Cloves
• 1-2 Beastly Freeze Dried Serrano or Beastly Freeze Dried Jalapeno Pepper (adjust based on your heat preference)
• 1 ½ tbsp Taco Seasoning
• 2 tbsp Lard or Bacon Grease (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Start by thoroughly washing your black beans. This step is crucial to remove any dirt or impurities. Once your beans are clean, combine them in the Instant Pot with water, diced onion, garlic cloves, and your choice of Serrano or Jalapeno pepper. Add the taco seasoning for that perfect blend of spices and mix thoroughly.
2. Cooking: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to High Pressure for 45 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The high pressure cooks the beans to perfection, infusing them with the flavors of the added ingredients.
3. Post-Cooking: After the cooking time has elapsed, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release its pressure. This step is essential as it continues to cook the beans while gradually decreasing the pressure, ensuring your beans are perfectly tender. Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the lid and drain the beans, but remember to reserve the cooking liquid – it’s packed with flavor!
4. Mashing and Seasoning: Return the drained beans and vegetables back into the Instant Pot liner. Now, it's time to mash the beans to your desired consistency. Whether you prefer them chunky or smooth, this step is up to you. To enhance the richness and flavor, add in the lard or bacon grease along with a bit of the reserved bean liquid. This not only adds depth to the dish but also achieves a creamy texture.
5. Final Touches: Stir everything together and gradually add water until you reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voila, your Instant Pot Black Beans are ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

These black beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside rice for a classic combination, use them as a filling for burritos or tacos, or simply enjoy them as a robust side dish. They’re not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Black Beans recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a journey through flavors and simplicity. Embracing the convenience of modern cooking appliances, this recipe offers a perfect blend of health, taste, and convenience. So, next time you’re pondering over what to cook, remember these flavorful black beans are just an Instant Pot away. Happy cooking!