Instant Pot Arroz Con Habichuelas / Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

If you're searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that can be made in a fraction of the time it traditionally takes, Instant Pot Puerto Rican Rice and Beans is a fantastic choice. Using the Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly fast, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. This hearty meal combines the earthiness of red beans with perfectly cooked rice, brought together with iconic Puerto Rican flavors like sofrito, sazon, and olives. It’s a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice authentic taste.

You can serve this recipe with dishes like fried pork chops, fried plantains, or a fresh avocado salad. The balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and rich flavors makes it a versatile meal for any occasion.

What is Puerto Rican Rice and Beans?

Puerto Rican Rice and Beans, or “Arroz con Habichuelas,” is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. This dish, often served as a main or a side, is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the island. The dish is built on a foundation of sofrito—a blend of peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs that serves as the base for many Puerto Rican recipes. The sofrito, combined with sazon seasoning and tomato-based ingredients, gives the dish its vibrant, savory flavor.

Traditionally, this recipe would simmer slowly on the stovetop, but with the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same depth of flavor in a fraction of the time. It's an approachable way to bring a taste of Puerto Rico into your kitchen, even if you’ve never cooked Latin cuisine before.

Ingredients to Make Instant Pot Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating a flavorful and balanced dish. Here's what you'll need:

• White rice – Long-grain rice works best, offering a fluffy texture that absorbs the flavorful broth.
• Sofrito – The heart of Puerto Rican cooking. This aromatic mixture adds a robust and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
• Red beans – A staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, they provide protein and a creamy texture.
• Sazon – A unique seasoning blend that adds a vibrant color and depth of flavor. You can use store-bought packets or make your own.
• Tomato sauce – Adds a rich, slightly sweet base for the dish.
• Diced tomatoes – These add texture and a mild acidity that balances the other ingredients.
• Chicken broth – Infuses the rice with a savory depth of flavor. Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Olive oil – Used to sauté the sofrito and other aromatics, adding a subtle richness.
• Green olives – Bring a salty and slightly tangy element to the dish.
• Salt and pepper – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

How to Make Instant Pot Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

Making Instant Pot Puerto Rican Rice and Beans is straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these detailed step-by-step instructions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Turn on the sauté function on your Instant Pot and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up slightly. This prevents sticking and ensures the base ingredients cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Base Ingredients

Add 2 tablespoons of sofrito, 2 tablespoons of green olives, 4 ounces of tomato sauce, and 1 packet of sazon. Stir well to combine. Let this mixture cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sofrito should become aromatic, and the sazon will dissolve, giving the mixture a deep orange color.

Step 3: Incorporate the Beans

Add 1 can of red beans (15 ounces) to the pot. Stir them into the base mixture to coat them with the flavorful seasonings. Let them sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes. This allows the beans to absorb the spices before cooking further.

Step 4: Add the Rice and Broth

Pour in 2 cups of uncooked white rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly. Ensure the rice is evenly mixed and submerged in the liquid. This step is essential for the rice to cook evenly.

Step 5: Seal and Cook

Cancel the sauté function and secure the Instant Pot lid. Ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the “Rice” setting, which will automatically set the timer to approximately 12 minutes (depending on your Instant Pot model).

Step 6: Natural Pressure Release

When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial, as it ensures the rice is fully cooked and absorbs any remaining liquid. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Be careful not to mash the beans while fluffing. Serve your Puerto Rican Rice and Beans hot, and pair it with your favorite sides like fried plantains, roasted vegetables, or avocado slices.

Optional Additions

Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken or shrimp during Step 2.

Tips for Making Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming gummy. Use high-quality sofrito for the best flavor. If possible, make your own sofrito at home—it often tastes fresher and more vibrant than store-bought versions. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes to ensure the rice is perfectly cooked. Rushing this step may leave the rice undercooked or overly firm.

If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce during the sauté stage. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to refresh the rice’s texture and prevent it from drying out. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. The dish remains rich and satisfying without compromising its depth of flavor.

Experiment with additional toppings like diced avocado, fresh lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor contrast. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this recipe on the stovetop—just increase the cooking time and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sofrito, and why is it important?

Sofrito is a blend of finely chopped peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and sometimes tomatoes, used as the flavor base in many Puerto Rican dishes. It provides the signature savory and herbaceous flavor that defines Puerto Rican Rice and Beans. If you’re new to sofrito, you can purchase it pre-made at most Latin markets or make it fresh at home for the best results.

Can I customize this recipe with different beans or grains?

Absolutely! While red beans are traditional, black beans or pigeon peas can also be used. Similarly, you can substitute white rice with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa for a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Just be mindful of adjusting the liquid-to-grain ratio and cooking time for your chosen ingredient.

Is it possible to double this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can double the recipe as long as it doesn’t exceed the Instant Pot’s maximum fill line (usually marked on the inside of the pot). Be sure to maintain the same cooking time, as the Instant Pot adjusts pressure automatically based on the volume of food.

How do I avoid burning the rice on the bottom of the pot?

To prevent the rice from burning, make sure to stir thoroughly after adding the liquid so no grains are sticking to the bottom of the pot. Additionally, avoid using the “Manual” setting, as the “Rice” function is specifically designed for gentle, even cooking.

Have you tried making Instant Pot Puerto Rican Rice and Beans? Share your experience in the comments and leave a rating! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later, so you can enjoy it again and again!

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