Mexican-style Refried Pinto Beans

           

Homemade Refried Beans - This recipe is quick and easy!   These are the perfect side dish for a Mexican or Tex-Mex meal. I have shared both Instant pot electric pressure cooker and stovetop pressure cooker method.

                                 

Makes 6 servings

             2 cups dried pinto beans* 

        2 tablespoons oil    

3 cups water*

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon mexican oregano

1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) cayenne chili powder

Salt to taste
        1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)

        Fresh jalapeños for garnish (optional)

 Notes:
*Pinto beans: I prefer soaking the beans overnight. For a quick soak option, soak in hot water for 2 hours. If using unsoaked beans, the cooking time needs to be increased from 20 min. to 35 min. followed by natural pressure release.
*Water: For stovetop pressure cooker, increase water quantity to 4 cups.

For step by step video instructions:

Method For Electric Pressure Cooker:

1. Soak the beans overnight or in hot water for 2 hours.

2 Start the sauté  mode, add oil. Add chopped onions, garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes. Cancel the sauté mode. Add beans, water, cumin powder, Mexican oregano, cayenne chili powder, salt to taste.  Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes(35 minutes for unsoaked beans). Let the pressure release naturally.

3. If you need to adjust the consistency, cook on sauté mode for additional 3-4 minutes. Mash the beans with the back of the spatula or using a potato masher. Add fresh cilantro and jalapeños for garnish. Refried beans are ready to serve.

Method For Stovetop Pressure Cooker:

1. Soak the beans overnight or in hot water for 2 hours.

2. Heat a stovetop pressure cooker, add oil. Add chopped onions, garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the cumin powder, Mexican oregano, pinto beans, 4 cups of water, chili powder, salt to taste.  Close the lid and cook on medium-high pressure for 5 whistles or 15-20 minutes. Turn the heat to simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat. Let the pressure release naturally.

3. Mash the beans with the back of the spatula or using a potato masher. Add fresh cilantro and jalapeños for garnish. Refried beans are ready to serve!