Authentic Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans are a quick and delicious way to bring the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine into your home. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for busy families and home cooks looking for a healthy, weeknight side dish.
Cuban black beans, or "frijoles negros," are a staple in Cuban cuisine. Known for their rich flavor, these beans are often enjoyed with yellow rice and serve as a comforting and nutritious meal. This Instant Pot version simplifies the cooking process, making it more accessible for modern home cooks while preserving the authentic taste of traditional Cuban black beans.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Convenient: Using an Instant Pot drastically reduces the cooking time.
- Authentic Flavor: Maintains the traditional Cuban taste.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a wholesome meal.
- Family-Friendly: Appeals to both kids and adults, making it great for family dinners.
If you like this Cuban recipe, you may also love our Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja (Slow Cooker) or our Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup.
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What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Black Beans: Rinsed and sorted, these are the base of our dish.
- Water: Necessary for cooking the beans and creating a flavorful broth.
- Tomato: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- Green Bell Pepper: Halved and seeded to infuse the beans with subtle pepper flavor.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed for a rich, aromatic base.
- Garlic: Minced to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy note essential to Cuban cuisine.
- Bay Leaves: Infuse the beans with a subtle, herbal flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the beans.
- White Vinegar: Adds a tangy finish and helps tenderize the beans.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice and complexity.
- Dried Oregano: Stirred in at the end for a fragrant finish.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro, chopped white onion, lime wedges.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Authentic Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
STEP ONE: Prepare the Vegetables
Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add olive oil and let it heat up. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
STEP TWO: Add the Main Ingredients
Add rinsed and drained black beans, water, halved tomato, halved and seeded green bell pepper, cumin, bay leaves, kosher salt, white vinegar, and black pepper to the Instant Pot.
STEP THREE: Pressure Cooking
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" on high for 60 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 20 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
STEP FOUR: Final Seasoning
Open the lid. Remove the halved tomato, bell pepper, and bay leaves.
Stir in dried oregano.
Turn the Instant Pot to "Slow Cook" mode and cook for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the beans have reached the desired consistency. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Green Bell Pepper: Substitute with red bell pepper for a slightly sweeter taste.
- White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: For a low-sodium version, reduce the salt and use low-sodium broth.
- Flavor: Add a smoked ham hock or bacon for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Spice: Incorporate diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
How Should You Store This?
Store leftover Cuban black beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, store black beans in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Always rinse and sort beans to remove any debris.
Allowing the beans to slow cook after pressure cooking helps develop a richer flavor.
To reheat, gently warm the beans on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover bell pepper in a stir-fry or this Redneck (Cowboy Caviar) Dip.
- Incorporate extra black beans into Vegetarian Quesadillas.
- Make Crispy Onion Straws with leftover onion.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with fluffy white or yellow rice.
- Pair with a fresh avocado salad.
- Enjoy alongside Cuban-style grilled chicken.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Red Beans and Rice
- Black Bean Soup with Dried Beans: Slow Cooker Method
- Arroz con Pollo
- Cuban Picadillo
Related
More Cuban recipes you will love:
FAQ
Yes, you can make Cuban black beans in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps for sautéing the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the beans are tender.
To thicken Cuban black beans, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in. Alternatively, let the beans simmer with the lid off until they reach the desired consistency.
Cuban black beans pair wonderfully with yellow rice, avocado salad, or Cuban-style grilled chicken. They also make a great filling for burritos and tacos.
📖 Recipe
Authentic Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans: Easy & Flavorful Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black beans rinsed and drained
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium tomato halved
- 1 whole green bell pepper halved and seeded
- ½ medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- fresh cilantro, chopped white onion, and lime wedges optional
Instructions
- Rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold water. Remove any floaters and debris. Drain the beans well.
- Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed and drained black beans, water, halved tomato, halved and seeded green bell pepper, cumin, bay leaves, kosher salt, white vinegar, and black pepper to the Instant Pot with the sautéed vegetables.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" on high for 60 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 20 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. Open the lid. Remove the halved tomato, bell pepper, and bay leaves. Stir in the dried oregano.
- Turn the Instant Pot to "Slow Cook" mode and cook for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the beans have reached the desired consistency. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the Cuban black beans on top of yellow rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped white onion, and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Green Bell Pepper: Substitute with red bell pepper for a slightly sweeter taste.
- White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative.
Nutrition
Authentic Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans are a flavorful, healthy, and convenient dish perfect for busy families and home cooks.
Try this recipe and enjoy a taste of Cuba in your own home. Share your results and explore more of our delicious Cuban recipes!
Important Food Safety Tips
Make sure beans are cooked thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Always store leftovers in the refrigerator promptly.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
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