Instant Pot Charro Beans
Author note: Long simmers are no longer needed to make a comforting bowl of beans. This soup has layers of flavor that make for a delicious quick meal— bacon, sautéed jalapenos and garlic, browned tomato paste and fresh cilantro. Keep in mind that the pinto beans will still require an overnight soak. If you forgot to soak the beans, don't fret. Pressure cook the beans on high for 35 minutes.
1 pound pinto beans, soaked for at least 8 hours or overnight
1 1/2 cups bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
4 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
7 cups low sodium chicken stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 bay leaf, torn in half
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/2 bunch of cilantro, rough chopped
chopped cilantro, for topping
sour cream, for topping
lime wedges, for topping
Place the bacon, onions, garlic and jalapenos in the Instant Pot and using the sauté feature, cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. With 1 minute left of sautéing the vegetables, add the tomato paste and brown for 1 minute. Stir constantly.
Add the chicken stock, oregano, cumin, salt and bay leaf. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
Strain the beans from the soaking liquid. Rinse the beans. Add the beans to the Instant Pot and stir. Place the lid on top, lock and cook on soup mode for 10 minutes. Once the cook time is finished, release the pressure naturally for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, release any remaining steam from the Instant Pot.
Add the vinegar and cilantro to the soup and stir to combine. Serve warm ungarnished or with toppings and warm tortillas.