Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans Food

INSTANT POT BACONY REFRIED BEANS

Steps:

• Set a 6-quart Instant Pot® to saute on high (see Cook's Note) and cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and the fat has rendered, about 7 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, beans, 4 teaspoons salt and 5 cups water and stir to combine. Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high for 45 minutes. After the pressure cook cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release and wait until the quick release cycle is complete. Be careful of any remaining steam and unlock and remove the lid. Stir to combine.
• Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, smash the beans so that all of the beans have been crushed but the mixture is thick and not completely smooth (refried beans should still be pourable at this point, but they will thicken as they sit). Transfer to a large bowl, let sit 10 minutes to thicken and serve.

CHARRO BEANS

Steps:

• Pour dry beans into a colander and rinse them off, removing any unwanted pieces. Add to a large pot with 6 cups of water (or enough to cover them by about 2 inches), a small chunk of onion, bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 hours, until the beans are tender, but not bursting. (Mine usually take about 1 hour but depends on how dry/old your beans are). Check them a few times during cooking to make sure they are covered in water and add a little more water if needed.
• Once the beans are tender, drain them, reserving the liquid and pouring it into a measuring cup. Add additional water (or reduce liquid if needed) to make 2 ½ cups of total liquid. Stir in 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon. Set aside.
• Add the bacon and chorizo to a large pot and cook for about 5 minutes or until bacon is cooked. Remove some of the grease. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent. Add ham (sausages, if using), diced tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, oregano, paprika, cumin, black pepper and cook for 5 additional minutes.
• Add cooked beans and broth and simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, or additional spices if needed. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
• Serve as a main dish, wish warm tortillas, or as a side dish. When serving as a side dish I like to thicken the beans by adding a cornstarch slurry at the end (1 tablespoon of corn starch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water).

INSTANT POT® CHARRO (REFRIED BEANS)

Steps:

• Combine water, pinto beans, onion, salsa, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, garlic, tomato bouillon, vegetable bouillon, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and black pepper in an electric pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Close and lock the lid. Select Bean/Chili function; set timer for 45 minutes. Cooker will reach high pressure in 10 to 15 minutes.
• Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 10 to 40 minutes. Unlock and remove lid.