Vegan Red Beans NOLA Style in the Instant Pot®

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Vegan Red Beans NOLA Style in the Instant Pot®

★★★★★ 5.0 (12 reviews)

This hearty and flavorful dish brings the taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen, all made easy with the Instant Pot®. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it’s packed with spices and plant-based protein to satisfy your cravings.

◷1 hrTotal Time

♜4Servings

▥HardDifficulty

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Ingredients

4servings

1 tablespoon olive oil2 cups frozen bell pepper, celery, and onion blend (such as Pictsweet® Farms Seasoning Blend)2 cloves garlic, minced1 pound dried red beans6 cups water3 large bay leaves1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring, or to taste salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Saut veggies and garlic

Start by turning on your Instant Pot and setting it to the sauté mode. Pour in some oil, then add the frozen vegetable mix and garlic. Cook everything together until the veggies soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the beans, pour in the water, and toss in the bay leaves. Switch off the sauté function, close the lid, and make sure it’s locked.

Pressure Cook on High

Set the pressure cooker to high and cook for 40 minutes. It will take around 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build before the timer starts counting down. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for at least 20 minutes—this helps the flavors develop.

Season and Stir Beans

After that, carefully open the lid. Add in some liquid smoke, salt, and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir, and if you like, mash the beans a bit to get a creamier texture before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein from the red beans. It offers a comforting taste of New Orleans with a vegan twist, making it perfect for those looking for a plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on authenticity or richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed white rice for a classic combination. Add a side of sautéed greens or cornbread to round out the meal. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a bright finish.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well—just thaw and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the beans creamy.