Name: Instant Pot Refried Black Beans
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: About 5 cups
Ingredients: 1 lb. dried black beans (about 2 cups); 1 white onion, peeled, halved; 2 Tbsp. lard or vegetable oil; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 sprig cilantro, plus more for serving; Grated cotija cheese, chopped radishes, and lime wedges (for serving); An electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot

photo of refried black beans recipe in a bowl with lime quarters and chopped radish.

Photo by Charles Masters, prop styling by Sarah Cave, food styling by Chelsea Zimmer

You'll save at least an hour or two of cooking time when you make beans in an electric pressure cooker, and you don't even need to worry about soaking. Plus, with that sauté button, you can mash the beans in the pot and turn them into creamy refried beans in minutes.

Recipe information

Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Yield
About 5 cups

Ingredients

1 lb. dried black beans (about 2 cups)

1 white onion, peeled, halved

2 Tbsp. lard or vegetable oil

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 sprig cilantro, plus more for serving

Grated cotija cheese, chopped radishes, and lime wedges (for serving)

Special Equipment

An electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot

Preparation

Step 1
Combine beans, onion, lard, salt, cilantro sprig, and 6 cups water in cooker insert. Lock on lid, making sure steam-release valve is in the proper sealed position. Select “Manual” and program for 22 minutes at high pressure. (It will take about 12 minutes for pressure to build before cooking automatically begins.)
Step 2
As soon as the time has elapsed, turn off cooker, let pressure release naturally (it will take about 23 minutes). Unlock lid and turn the heat to medium or "Sauté." Bring to a strong simmer and mash beans with a potato masher or large wooden spoon. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid thickens, about 15 minutes. Taste and season with more salt if necessary.
Step 3
Divide beans among bowls. Top with cheese, cilantro, radishes, and limes.