If you have a pack of dried pinto beans that you have been meaning to cook, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to learn how to cook pinto beans in an Instant Pot.
Pinto beans have a distinct beige color with brown spots that also turn light brown in color when cooked. It is known that pinto beans have originated from Peru and have spread their way around the United States. They are also very healthy and are a great addition to all types of meals.
Pinto Beans are Rich in Nutrients
Pinto beans are loaded with nutrients such as iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and Vitamin B1. When cooked plain, they are cholesterol-free and have low sodium and fat. They also have an abundance of fiber and protein.
The fiber in pinto beans helps prevent any digestive problems and aid in weight loss. For protein, pinto beans are a great alternative to meat. These two nutrients help to control your appetite.
Affordable
Another reason why pinto beans are popular is that they are inexpensive. You can either buy the dried ones and cook them yourself or buy the canned ones, saving you time. Cooking pinto beans from scratch takes a really long time and requires you to soak the dried beans overnight.
Pinto Beans are Versatile
One more reason for its popularity is that pinto beans are versatile. You can use them either as a side dish or you can add them to dips, soups, and stews. Pinto beans are a good ingredient to add to just about any dish and can be eaten refried, stewed, mashed, simmered, pureed, or whole.
Long Shelf Life
Pinto beans, whether dried or canned, can be stored for a long time. Dried pinto beans’ shelf life can last for 1 to 3 years. However, you must note that the longer you store your pinto beans, the longer they may also need to be cooked. On the other hand, canned beans can be kept for 3 to 5 years if unopened. They are also safe to eat past their expiration date as long as the can remains intact and is free from any damage.
Cooked pinto beans can be stored in the freezer for 6 months. Remember to label your freezer bag with the date that they were cooked to ensure you eat them within 6 months.
Cooking Pinto Beans
Before cooking the beans, you have to soak them. When it comes to soaking pinto beans, there are two methods:
Overnight Method
Put your washed beans in a pot and cover them with 2 inches of water. Cover the pot and let the beans soak overnight for at least 6 hours. The next day, drain the water from the pot, add fresh water to cover the beans, and start boiling and simmering for 1 to 2 hours.
Quick Soak Method
Put your washed beans in a cooking pot and cover them with fresh water. Bring the beans to a boil and let them boil for two minutes. Remove them from the heat, cover the pot, and let them soak for two hours. After two hours, drain the water, add fresh water to the pot, and continue to boil for 45 minutes to two hours.
How to Cook Pinto Beans in an Instant Pot
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour & 5 minutes
- Servings: 6 – 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 3 cups dry pinto beans
- ½ tsp salt
- 8 cups water
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ white onion
- 5 cloves minced garlic
Equipment:
- Instant Pot
Preparation:
- Wash and rinse the dried pinto beans. There is no need to soak the dried beans overnight as we will be cooking using the Instant Pot.
- Put the pinto beans in the Instant Pot and add water, making sure that the beans are fully covered.
- Add all of the spices except salt, then stir the ingredients together.
- Put the lid on and make sure to turn the steam release valve to its sealing position.
- Set the cooking time to “Pressure Cook” or choose “Manual” at high pressure for 30 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is done, let the Instant Pot take its time to release the pressure for 15 minutes.
- You can now turn the steam release valve to release the remaining pressure in the pot.
- Once the pin has dropped, you may now carefully open the lid.
- Stir the mixture and add salt to taste.
How to Cook Pinto Beans in an Instant Pot
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry pinto beans
- ½ tsp salt
- 8 cups Water
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ white onion
- 5 cloves minced garlic
Instructions
- Wash and rinse the dried pinto beans. There is no need to soak the dried beans overnight as we will be cooking using the Instant Pot.
- Put the pinto beans in the Instant Pot and add water, making sure that the beans are fully covered.
- Add all of the spices except salt, then stir the ingredients together.
- Put the lid on and make sure to turn the steam release valve to its sealing position.
- Set the cooking time to “Pressure Cook” or choose “Manual” at high pressure for 30 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is done, let the Instant Pot take its time to release the pressure for 15 minutes.
- You can now turn the steam release valve to release the remaining pressure in the pot.
- Once the pin has dropped, you may now carefully open the lid.
- Stir the mixture and add salt to taste.
FAQs
What Do Pinto Beans Taste Like?
Pinto beans have a mildly earthy flavor and a creamy texture when cooked. Their taste is often compared to black beans or kidney beans but with a slightly less intense flavor.
What Goes Good With Pinto Beans?
Pinto beans pair well with a variety of foods, including:
- Rice
- Tortillas
- Avocado
- Salsa
- Cheese
- Vegetables
What To Do With Leftover Pinto Beans?
- Make bean dip or a bean salad
- Use them as topping for nachos
- Mash them and use them as a filling for quesadillas
How Many Cups Of Dried Pinto Beans In A Pound?
Approximately 2-2.5 cups of dried pinto beans are in one pound. Measuring by weight for accuracy when using dried beans in recipes is always a good idea.
