How to Quickly Cook Dried Beans in an Electric Pressure Cooker

Remember that Christmas present that I was less than thrilled about? Well, I’ve been using it nearly every day. That electric pressure cooker was just the present I didn’t know I needed. (Thanks again, David!)

Here’s how I make a pot of beans. The prep takes five minutes tops, the pressure cooker does all the work (with the push of a button), and the meal costs pennies.

To two cups of dried beans (e.g. chickpea, pinto or black), add two tablespoons of olive oil, two garlic cloves (either whole to remove later or crushed for a more fully infused garlic flavor), two bay leaves, and a whole lot of freshly ground black pepper.

Add water, plug in the electric pressure cooker, press the “beans” function, and about an hour later the beans are done ready for burritos, chili, nachos or salad. (Don’t forget to season the beans generously with salt!)

I love a tasty, quick, and cheap meal, especially one our daughter enjoys helping with:

What quick meals have you been enjoying lately?