If you haven’t jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet, it might be high time. There’s no faster way to cook a pot of beans, and it’s completely idiot-proof for those of us wary of pressure cookers. Plus, once everything’s in the pot, there’s zero effort required. Need even more convincing? It’s the quickest, easiest way we know (it only takes about 30 minutes and features a simple ‘Bean/Chili’ button!) to cook a whole lotta beans that you can then use in several delicious dishes all week long. And here’s the bottom line — cooking your own beans is just plain cheaper, tastier, and healthier than stocking your pantry with canned beans.

Our basic Instant Pot Black Beans recipe is perfect for making flavorful beans that can be used in so many ways. Serve them over rice with your favorite toppings — or use them in the following vegetarian, gluten-free dishes to add healthy protein, fiber, and hearty flavor to your weekly recipe repertoire.

Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Full of color and fresh veggies, this Black Bean Quinoa Salad is simple to make, nutritious, and great for grabbing on the go. The base is a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and green onions, tossed with a tangy dressing of olive oil, fresh lime juice, chili powder, lime zest, and garlic. The recipe makes a large batch, so you can meal prep by portioning it out in containers and taking it with you for lunch. And it’s perfect for a potluck or get-together, because it tastes wonderful whether you serve it cold or at room temperature — and it’ll easily feed a crowd.

Black Bean Hummus

A twist on traditional hummus, our Black Bean Hummus swaps out the usual beans (garbanzos) for black beans. Lime juice replaces the customary lemon juice, while cumin and smoked paprika add deep, smoky flavor. And don’t leave out the tahini (sesame seed paste). Tahini has a delicate roasted flavor that adds richness and complexity to any kind of hummus. Add a little fresh cilantro and some good quality olive oil, serve with pita chips and fresh cut veggies, and it’s sure to be devoured. Or, meal-prep by portioning it out into ready-to-eat afternoon snacks that you can pop in your bag.

Black Bean-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

If you’ve never before considered or tasted the flavor combo of black beans & sweet potatoes, you’re in for a treat with these Black Bean-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, sweet potatoes benefit from the amazingly savory addition of black beans — plus all the other tasty toppings that add creaminess, crunch, and zest. This dish is as easy as baking or microwaving sweet potatoes and then loading them up with beans, Greek yogurt or sour cream, chunks of ripe avocado, a sprinkling of green onions, cilantro, pepitas, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Yum!

These are just a few versatile ideas for how to put Instant Pot beans to good use and feed your family. In fact, any of our dried beans, peas and lentils will work with this basic recipe. Use your creativity, get your hands on an Instant Pot if you haven’t already, and add quick and easy cooked beans to a whole host of favorite dishes – from Refried Beans, Fresh Two-Bean Salsa, and Shrimp and Black Bean Skillet Casserole to Bean & Bacon Breakfast Tacos, Chipotle Pinto Bean Tortilla Soup, and Flourless Black Bean Brownies. And if you end up not polishing off all of your cooked beans within a week, portion what’s left into small storage bags, and freeze. Then, the next time you need beans for a recipe, just grab them from the freezer instead of reaching for a can.

What else can you cook in an Instant Pot? Well, it’s also an awesome way to make all kinds of one-pot wonders, especially Red Beans & Rice. So check it out, and give it a spin — you certainly won’t be sorry.

The Perfect Dish

Hummus is hands down the perfect dish to enjoy during the heat of the summer — when you’re craving something cool, creamy and delicious. It’s also incredibly versatile. Sure, you can serve it as a dip with pita, crackers and fresh veggies, but it’s also wonderful in a wrap or on a sandwich, dolloped on a salad, spread on a flatbread pizza, or tossed with hot pasta. And homemade hummus tastes so much better than store-bought. Once you realize how easy it is to whip up hummus from scratch, you’ll never go back. Read on for winning tips on how to make it great.

Insider Tips for Smooth & Silky Hummus

Tip #1: Soaking

Using dried garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas) to make hummus is key. (The canned variety just won’t give you the same great flavor.) But be sure to soak your dried garbanzos overnight first. They’re tougher than other beans and take longer to soften; soaking will give you a head start and shorten cooking time.

Tip #2: Baking Soda

Once you’ve got your soaked garbanzo beans covered with fresh water and simmering in a pot on the stove, add in a bit of baking soda. Baking soda works to tenderize both the skin and the bean, helping you achieve a silkier hummus texture.

Tip #3: Cook, Cook, and Cook Some More

Chefs who know their hummus swear by cooking the garbanzos until they’re practically falling apart. So, don’t cut your cooking time short. If you’ve soaked them first, simmering till very soft should take about 1-1.5 hours.

Tip #4: Heat Helps

The best time to make your hummus is when the garbanzos have just finished cooking and are still hot. This helps with extra creaminess, as well.

Tip #5: Cooking Liquid = Liquid Gold

Before draining, reserve the garbanzo bean cooking liquid (also called aquafaba). You’ll want to use it when blending the hummus (more flavorful than adding water). And it makes as an amazingly healthy vegan alternative to dairy and eggs.

Flavor Possibilities

Now that you’re ready to get cookin’, it’s time to consider all the flavor possibilities. Purists might want to stick with our traditional Hummus recipe. But if you’re willing to experiment, we’ve come up with amazing twists on our classic recipe that add color, flavor, health benefits, and fun – all with just a few additional ingredients.

Traditional Hummus

Whether you’re making hummus for the 1st time or the 50th, this foolproof recipe will become a hands-down favorite. With just the right proportions of olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, and garlic, the texture is right on (if you follow the tips above), and the flavor is fresh and deliciously balanced. And because the recipe calls for a pound of garbanzo beans, it yields about 6 cups of hummus. Which means there’s plenty to use in the recipe variations spelled out below, or simply plenty to snack on all week long. Note: the recipe doesn’t call for refrigerating the hummus before serving, but a lot of folks like it served cool vs. warm. Your call.

Avocado Cilantro Hummus

For a gorgeous green tint, even more fresh flavor, and additional heart-healthy fat, fiber, and potassium, try adding 1 ripe avocado, 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, and 1/2 lime, juiced to 2 cups prepared hummus. Whip it up in a food processor, and voilá — you’ve got a yummy new take on a classic. For a fast snack or lunch, warm a whole wheat tortilla, spread with Avocado Cilantro Hummus, top with fresh baby spinach and shredded carrots, roll up, and enjoy.

Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus

This beautifully-tinted orange version comes together with 2 small, baked sweet potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a few shakes of Tabasco brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce (or chipotle powder). Add all to 2 cups prepared hummus and whir till blended. Adjust seasonings to your taste, and try spreading Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus on a turkey sandwich or scooping it up with tortilla chips.

Balsamic Caramelized Onion Hummus

While Balsamic Caramelized Onion Hummus is slightly more involved, the result is totally worth it. Thinly sliced onions are slowly cooked down in olive oil, along with 1 teaspoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, until caramelized. Then a balsamic reduction is made by simmering 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar until it’s thick and syrupy. The caramelized onions are blended in a food processor, along with 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar and 2 cups prepared hummus. For a beautiful presentation and amazing flavor, serve Balsamic Caramelized Onion Hummus topped with extra caramelized onions and a drizzle of balsamic reduction — surrounded by fancy crackers and crudités. A fabulous way to entertain friends and family!