Instant Pot® Cuban-Style Black Beans

4.4
(42)

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.

Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr
Additional Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings
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Ingredients

  • 3 slices bacon, chopped

  • ½ cup chopped onion

  • 3 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 3 cups water

  • 3 cups chicken broth

  • 1 pound dried black beans

  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar

  • 1 (1.41 ounce) package sazon seasoning (such as Goya®) (Optional)

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon oregano

  • 1 bay leaf

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • 2 limes, cut into wedges, or to taste

  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro, or to taste

Directions

  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.

  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.

  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.

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

Cook’s Note

Sazón can be found in the Hispanic section of your supermarket; there is also a recipe for Homemade Sazón on this site. I think it adds extra flavor to the beans, but if you can't find it, the beans will still be good.

If you find the consistency too soupy, turn to Sauté and cook the liquid down for a few minutes to your preference.

65 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

234 Calories
3g Fat
40g Carbs
14g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 234
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol 6mg 2%
Sodium 1291mg 56%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 15%
Dietary Fiber 10g 34%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 14g 29%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 89mg 7%
Iron 3mg 18%
Potassium 926mg 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.