Instructions

• Prepare the aromatics: finely dice 1 cup yellow onion (about 1 onion) and 1 cup red pepper (about 1 pepper). Mince 2 tablespoons garlic (about 4–6 cloves).
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, or use the sauté function on the pressure cooker.
• Add the diced onion, diced red pepper, and minced garlic to the hot oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7–9 minutes.
• Add 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano to the pan. Sauté, stirring, for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
• Scrape the sautéed mixture into the pressure cooker insert or slow cooker.
• Rinse 1 pound dried black beans in a strainer and pick through them, discarding any shriveled beans, debris, or stones. Add the rinsed beans to the cooker.
• Add 3 cups water and 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock, 2 heaping tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (include the peppers and surrounding sauce), and 1 bay leaf to the beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Slow cooker method: Stir everything to combine, cover, and cook on high for 7–9 hours or until the beans are very tender (author notes ~8 hours in a Crock-Pot).
• Pressure cooker/Instant Pot method: Secure the lid and set the valve to SEAL. Cook on manual/high pressure for 45 minutes (allow ~15–20 minutes to come up to pressure). When the cook time finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 25 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
• After cooking, remove and discard the bay leaf. Remove the chipotle peppers if you do not want the heat to continue intensifying; otherwise leave them in for more heat.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed, adding gradually until the flavors are balanced.
• If desired, stir in 1/3 cup chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
• Serve the beans as a side or use in other recipes. Store leftovers in their cooking liquid in the refrigerator—beans will thicken and develop more flavor after resting overnight.