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Easy 25-Minute Instant Pot Rice and Beans Recipe Perfect for Busy Days

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A quick, comforting, and fuss-free Instant Pot recipe combining fluffy rice and tender beans with warm spices, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 200g), rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) freshly cracked black pepper
  • Juice of 1 small lime
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.
  2. Turn the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  3. Add the finely chopped ½ yellow onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices gently.
  5. Add the rinsed rice and drained black beans to the pot. Stir well to combine and coat the rice in the aromatic mixture.
  6. Pour in 1 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth, then add salt and black pepper. Stir gently to ensure rice is submerged evenly.
  7. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before cooking.
  8. When cooking ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
  9. Open the lid, squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice and beans, and fluff gently with a fork. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly to avoid gummy texture. Sauté onions and garlic first to deepen flavor. Use natural pressure release for best texture. Adjust seasoning after cooking. If rice is wet, sauté uncovered on low heat to evaporate excess moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, rice and beans, quick dinner, easy recipe, vegan, gluten-free, meal prep, healthy, vegetarian

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/easy-25-minute-instant-pot-rice-and-beans-recipe-perfect-for-busy-days/