I love saving money by cooking dried beans – it’s just so much cheaper than canned beans. It also opens up a world of new bean varieties like these Instant Pot Refried Mayocoba Beans.
Who knew a little yellow bean could cook up so creamy? If you can’t find Mayocoba Beans just sub pintos or black beans.
What are Mayacoba beans?
Mayacoba Beans are pale yellow beans that originated in Peru but are grown all over now, including California.
You may also see them called canary, canario, or Peruano beans.
These little yellow beans are an extra creamy, which makes them a perfect match for refried beans.
You can also substitute Mayacoba beans in recipes that call for cannellini beans too.
Do I Have to Soak the Beans?
Most of the time, I never tell you to soak or not to soak your beans as a rule of thumb.
Mexicans typically do not soak their beans before cooking, but in India they soak all their beans, including lentils.
To use the cooking time and water as listed in the recipe below you do need to soak those beans overnight.
But you can up the liquid and cooking time to cook them from dry.
What If the Beans Aren’t Cooked When I Check Them?
Dry beans are the variable in all recipes. Some are old and you may not even know that.
You just grabbed a bag at the store, but they could have been in a warehouse for months before that.
Because of that, one time your beans may not cook all the way. So, if you open your electric pressure cooker and the beans still aren’t soft enough, put the lid back on and cook for another 5 minutes.
How Do I Serve Refried Beans?
This is the best part – eating them! They are great as a side with rice or quinoa, in tacos, on top of salads, and be sure to try in “lettuce tacos”.
You can freeze any leftovers like I do. I package them in about 1 cup portions which will feed Cheryl and I for one meal.
It’s just as easy as having a can of refried beans in your pantry, but with none of the ingredients you’d rather avoid.
Use These If You Can’t Find Mayocoba Beans
- pinto beans
- kidney beans
- cranberry beans
- black beans
- other heirlooms
What Recipes Should I Serve with Refried Mayocoba Beans?
You could start off with a nice bowl of Jackfruit Tortilla Soup. I’d also make the Mexican bean and quinoa without the beans and serve with these refried mayocoba beans.
Make some Instant Pot Orange Lime Chile Jackfruit to serve with these beans. Make burritos with the leftovers and fill your freezer for a grab and go dinner another night.
Instant Pot Not Refried Mayacoba Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry mayocoba beans soaked overnight
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp jalapeno powder or more if you like it hotter
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Drain the soaked beans, then add them with the water, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and jalepeno powder. Stir.
- Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Carefully release the pressure manually.
- Try to mash one of the beans with a fork to see if they are soft. If not put the lid back on and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Mash the beans with a potato masher or you can use an immersion blender to get them extra smooth.
- If there’s too much liquid left, you can turn your IP to saute and cook off any extra liquid.
Jules Shepard says
Oh my goodness! This looks so incredible!
Sarah says
Looks so comforting! I soak and cook my own beans when I can. Another reason to add to my list of why I need an Instant Pot!
Sandi says
The instant pot is such a lifesaver sometimes. This is a great recipe to try especially for a taco night.
Alisa Fleming says
I have never heard of those beans! Nor have I made my own refried beans. Two more things for the recipe bucket list …
jenna urben says
I’ve never had Mayacoba Beans but I would love to try them! I tried to make refried beans once before but it didn’t work out well for me. I need to give this a shot 🙂
TRUPTI says
Very helpful post , can you please tell me what vegetables go good with Mayacoba beans?
Kathy Hester says
Just about any, with this recipe summer squash, peppers, mushrooms, and other veggies that go well with Mexican-style foods.
Joann says
Very informative blog today. I learnt something. I have always loved this bean but I never thought of using it to replace cannellini beans.
Rich says
You might be confused, Mexicans do soak their beans and the Mayocoboa Bean did originated in Mexico as most shelled beans do.
Kathy Hester says
I do know the Mayocoboa comes from Mexico and love that I can buy them in bulk at my local Hispanic market. So many chilies, tomatillos, limes, fresh tortillas and other amazing ingredients!
I got some of my info from this article https://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-dont-soak-dried-beans-20140911-story.html and Steve Sando of Rancho Gordo. Mainly, I think it’s a personal choice if you choose to soak your beans or not. Some people feel differently, and I encourage them to cook the way that makes them feel their best.