Description
This Pressure Cooker Refried Beans recipe offers a simple and delicious way to make homemade refried beans quickly using dried pinto beans and a pressure cooker. Infused with garlic, onion, green chilies, and spices, these creamy beans can be mashed to your preferred texture—chunky or smooth—and are perfect as a side dish or a base for Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 4oz can minced green chilies
- 8 cloves garlic (or 2 tablespoons minced garlic)
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Other
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare Beans: If your pressure cooker has a basket, place it inside the pot for easy draining. Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water and check for any small debris or stones, removing them carefully.
- Add Ingredients: Add the rinsed pinto beans, diced onion, minced green chilies, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cumin into the pressure cooker pot. Pour in 8 cups of water to cover the beans.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid of the pressure cooker, close the steam vent to sealing, and set it to manual or pressure cook mode on high pressure for 60 minutes. The pressure cooker will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to reach pressure due to the large volume of water.
- Release Pressure and Drain: When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the steam vent. Once the pressure indicator (float valve) drops, open the lid. If you used a basket, gently lift it out and transfer the beans to a large bowl, reserving the bean cooking liquid. If not using a basket, drain the excess liquid from the pot using a colander or careful ladling, reserving some liquid to adjust bean consistency later.
- Mash or Blend Beans: Mash the beans with a potato masher for a chunkier texture or blend using an immersion or stand blender for a smooth consistency. Add reserved bean liquid gradually, between 1/4 and 1 cup, to achieve your desired thickness. Note the beans will thicken further as they cool.
- Serve and Store: Serve the refried beans immediately with your favorite toppings such as cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze in portions for up to three months.
Notes
- Using a pressure cooker basket makes draining much easier and reduces mess.
- Add bean water slowly while mashing to avoid thinning the beans too much.
- Beans thicken as they cool so slightly thinner than desired consistency is recommended when mashing or blending.
- Enhance flavor by topping with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro.
- Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption in the fridge or freezer.
