It’s time to indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of homemade refried beans made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. With the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked beans in a fraction of the time, making it a fuss-free and convenient recipe for any occasion.
A staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines, refried beans offer a rich, creamy texture and a delightful burst of flavors.
This delicacy complements a variety of dishes. Being versatile and nutritious, refried beans can serve as a luscious side dish or as a filling for burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and more.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through creating gluten-free refried beans using your chosen dried beans straightaway in your kitchen without any hassle.
Let’s begin!
Reasons Why You Should Try Making Homemade Instant Pot Refried Beans
After a long day at work, instant pot refried beans are the answer when you crave some delicacy and want it to be healthy. Grab your pressure cooker and start!
- Making Instant Pot Refried Beans is an easy recipe whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook. We have provided you with recipes to follow, making the cooking process easier.
- This dish will be better than those made using canned beans. It will taste fresh and delectable.
- You can make this recipe from scratch with the bare minimum ingredients available at your house.
Essential Ingredients Required for Instant Pot Refried Beans
| Items Required | Quantity |
| Dry Pinto Beans | 1 pound/450g |
| Bacon Fat | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 large piece |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Chicken Broth/ Vegetable Stock | 6 cups |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Jalapeno | 1 piece |
| Diced Tomato | 1 piece tomato |
| Grated Cheese | According to your preference |
| Salt | According to taste |
| Black Pepper | According to taste |
| Cumin Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Chilli Powder | 1 tablespoon (according to the spice level you can handle) |
Tools Required
| Instant Pot | Wooden Spoon |
| Potato Smasher | Knife |
| Cutting Board | Glass Bowl |
Detailed Steps Involved in Making Instant Pot Refried Beans
Follow the steps carefully to make instant pot-refried beans that will awaken everyone.
Step 1: Preparing the Beans
Firstly, you must sort the beans to remove any stones or discolored beans. Wash them under running cold water to clean them. When you soak the beans, it reduces cooking time and is also great for digestibility. This process of soaking the beans can be done in two ways.
First, soak them overnight or add the beans and some water in a pressure cooker, then cook it on high flame for 5 minutes. Allow the natural release for approximately 10 minutes, and then drain the water.
Step 2: Cooking the Beans in the Instant Pot
At this stage, you will have your soaked beans ready, and now it is time to start with the main part of preparing the dish. It is now time to saute the aromatics. Switch on your induction/ gas stove and put the instant pot over the flame.
It is time to keep the instant pot in a saute mood and heat any oil/lard you choose. Put the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and jalapeno. Wait until the onions turn aromatic and translucent.
Step 3: Addition of Beans and Broth
It is time to add the drained beans and chicken or vegetable broth. Also, add cumin powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Remember that correctly sealing a pressure cooker is the most important at this stage.
The steam release valve should be in the sealing position. To get fully cooked beans and a creamy structure, set the cook function for 40 minutes on high. Let the cooker release pressure naturally for at least 15 minutes. This prevents the beans from getting mushy and helps the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Mashing the Beans
Open the lid of the instant pot once the pressure is released naturally. To get the desired consistency, you must mash the beans using a potato masher or a wooden spoon. Also, you can use an immersion blender to get smoother beans.
Mashing the beans is crucial because it helps transform the cooked beans into the smooth, creamy consistency of refried beans. Mashing the beans breaks down their structure, creating a velvety texture and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Refrying the Beans
It’s time to keep the instant pot in saute mode and cook the beans while stirring it frequently. With time, as the beans get fried, they will thicken, and the flavors will intensify. Intensifying the flavors in cooking when cooking is essential to create a more enjoyable and satisfying culinary experience.
If you find your refried beans of a thick consistency, adjust them by adding some broth. At this stage, you must also check and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Add salt, pepper, and chili powder to adjust the taste.
Step 6: Topping the Dish
Once the dish is ready, you can transfer it to a bowl and garnish it. Add toppings like shredded cheese, sliced or pickled jalapenos, sour cream, diced tomato, sliced avocado, lime wedges, radish slices, and so on. Garnishing is an essential step when cooking. It evokes a sense of culinary identity, enhances visual appeal, and elevates the aromatic experience.
And your homemade Instant Pot Refried Beans recipe is ready to be served and enjoyed!
Customizing the Refried Beans
You can adjust the ingredients of this dish according to your dietary needs and taste preferences. The following are two ways you can do that –
- Vegan or Vegetarian: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the refried beans vegan. Also, you can use olive or other vegetable oils instead of animal fats like lard.
- Addition of meat: To enhance the taste of this dish, you can try adding cooked and grated pieces of bacon, beef, and others to the sauteed beans.
Expert Tips to Make Your Instant Pot Recipe a Hit
Below are some tips for making the best Instant Pot Refried Beans recipe to enjoy.
- Get familiarized with the functionalities of an instant pot. Be careful when releasing the pressure, and use long tongs or spoons when releasing steam.
- You should prefer low-sodium broth to prevent the stock from becoming too salty.
- Make sure not to use canned beans but dry pinto beans. This way, you can achieve the desired flavor and taste.
- You should know how to use it when simmering, like a dip or with tacos and others. The thickness can vary accordingly.
- You can also use water instead of chicken broth or vegetable broth. All you need to do is adjust the taste by adding the spices correctly.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
There are multiple ways and options to eat refried beans. You may follow any measure or idea you wish. However, some of the most suitable options that we would be suggesting the way forward to complement your dish are.
- You can serve it as a side dish with tacos, fajitas, or burritos.
- Another way is spreading it over a toast or tortilla and topping it with a fried egg. It is one of the most loved breakfasts.
- One of the most common ways of consuming refried beans is as a dip. Add melted cheese and your favorite salsa to this refried beans dish to prepare your dip.
- Instant Pot Refried Beans also goes well with tortilla chips.
- Adding refried beans to burgers is a great option, too.
- You can also have refried beans alongside soup or some stew.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of making homemade refried beans in the Instant Pot brings a nonpareil level of satisfaction. Embracing this classic Mexican dish’s rich flavors and creamy textures is a delightful journey worth undertaking in the kitchen.
The versatility of refried beans allows you to explore various combinations, adding your touch with personalized seasonings and spices. Plus, the joy of crafting this beloved dish from scratch brings a sense of accomplishment. This Instant Pot refried beans recipe is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser.
So, take your taste buds on a fiesta of flavors as you dig into the flavors of homemade refried beans. You can make this dish repeatedly with the Instant Pot by your side.
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Any Other Type of Beans Instead of Pinto Beans?
You can use other types of beans instead of pinto beans for making refried beans in an Instant Pot. The usage of various types of beans creates different flavors and textures. Some alternatives that you can use are Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Red Beans, and Navy Beans.
Why is it Called Refried Beans?
The name comes from a mistranslation of the Spanish term ‘frijoles refritos.’ In Spanish, ‘frijoles’ means beans, and ‘refritos’ is derived from the verb ‘refreír,’ which means ‘to fry again’ or ‘re-fry.’
What is the Ideal Proportion of Water Required for the Recipe?
The proportion of water and beans you should use to make Instant Pot refried beans depends on your preferred consistency and the specific recipe you follow. Generally, a common ratio for cooking dried beans in an Instant Pot is around 3 cups of water for every 1 cup.
Can I Make Gluten-Free Instant Pot Refried Beans?
Yes, it is possible to make gluten-free Instant Pot refried beans. The basic ingredients for making refried beans, such as beans, water, oil, onions, garlic, and spices, are naturally gluten-free. However, remember a few things to ensure your refried beans remain gluten-free.
Can I Store Refried Beans?
Yes, you can store refried beans for later use. Proper storage will help maintain their freshness and quality. Always use clean utensils and practice good food safety measures when handling and storing refried beans to prevent contamination and maintain their quality.
