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A bowl of Costa Rican Instant Pot black beans with fresh veggies, rice, and plantains.
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Costa Rican-Style Instant Pot Black Beans

These Costa Rican-Style Instant Pot black beans are thick, savory, and infused with warm spices. Paired with sautéed veggies, they're an easy main course, side dish, or topping that pairs well with everything!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Soaking Time8 hours
Total Time10 hours 10 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Costa Rican
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Keyword: costa rican black beans, instant pot black beans
Method: Instant Pot, Stovetop
Servings: 10 -12 servings

Ingredients

For the Beans

  • 2 cups dried black beans
  • Water for soaking
  • 6 cups fresh water or bone broth

For the Spiced Black Beans*

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion diced
  • 1/2 bell pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Cooked black beans with their liquid
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Beans

  • Place the dried black beans in a large bowl and cover with several inches of water.
  • Soak overnight, 8 to 12 hours.
  • Drain and rinse the beans well.

Step 2: Cook the Black Beans

  • Add the soaked and drained beans, 6 cups fresh water or broth, and 1 teaspoon salt to the Instant Pot.
  • Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
  • Cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes. See note.
  • Allow the pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Step 3: Finish the Beans

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until soft.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the cooked black beans with their liquid, tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.
  • Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook over medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens and the flavors come together, 30-60 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed/desired! Usually some more salt!

Notes

  • *Substitute the individual spices with 2-3 tablespoons of Sazón seasoning blend. 
  • Soaking improves texture and digestibility. If you don’t soak, cook for 40 minutes in the Instant Pot. 
  • Older beans may need a few extra minutes of pressure cooking
  • Simmer longer for thicker, more concentrated beans
  • Add a splash of water or broth if the beans thicken too much
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Or, freeze for up to 3 months

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 509mg | Potassium: 659mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 357IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg