• RECIPES
    • All Recipes
    • KETO/LOW CARB
    • Appetizers/Drinks
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Main Courses
    • Soups
    • Side Dishes
    • Casseroles
    • HOLIDAYS/SEASONAL
      • Rosh Hashanah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Chanukkah
      • Christmas
      • New Year’s Eve
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Super Bowl/Game Day
      • Easter
      • Passover
      • 4th of July
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Memorial Day
    • Jewish Recipes
    • Asian Cooking
    • INSTANT POT
      • All Pressure Cooking
      • Dump and Push
      • Pot in Pot
      • Freezer Recipes
    • AIR FRYER
  • SHOP ESSENTIALS
    • Shop All Categories!
    • This Old Gal Pressure Cooker Cookbook
    • Shop My Favorites
    • What’s In My Kitchen!
    • Instant Pot & Pressure Cooker Stuff
    • TOG’s Gift Guide
    • Shop My Amazon Store
  • GET NEWSLETTER
  • BUY MY COOKBOOK

Work with TOG

  • RECIPE INDEX
    • All Recipes
    • Keto & Low Carb Recipes
    • Holidays/Seasonal
    • Jewish Recipes
    • Asian Recipes
    • Freezer Meals
  • BY METHOD
    • Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
    • Air Fryer
    • Slow Cooker
  • SHOP ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS
    • Shop All Categories
    • What’s In My Kitchen!
    • Shop My Amazon Store
    • Buy My Cookbook!!!
  • SELKATZ TONKINESE
  • WORK WITH THIS OLD GAL
    • Contact This Old Gal
  • ABOUT TOG
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions & User Agreement
    • Recipe Photo Use Policy
    • Website Accessibility Statement

↑

This Old Gal

Delicious homemade recipes with step by step instructions

Restaurant Quality Meals From My Home To Yours

  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Low Carb
    • Appetizers/Beverages
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Main Courses
    • Holidays/Seasonal
      • Rosh Hashanah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Chanukkah
      • Christmas
      • Super Bowl/Game Day
      • New Year’s Eve
      • Passover
      • Easter
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Memorial Day
      • 4th of July
    • Casseroles
    • Jewish Recipes
    • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
      • Pot in Pot & One Pot
      • Dump and Push
    • Air Fryer
    • Freezer
  • Low Carb Recipes
  • Shop Essential Products
    • Shop All Categories!
    • Favorite Instant Pot Accessories
    • Shop My Amazon Store!
    • Favorite Pressure Cooker Accessories
    • Kitchen Tools Gadgets & Essentials
    • TOG’s Gift Guide
    • Instant Pot Mini 3 Quart Accessories
    • Favorite Baking Cooking Air Fryer Accessories & Bread Making Tools
    • Small Electric Kitchen Appliances & Pressure Cookers
    • Coupons, Brands & Reviews
  • About
    • Selkatz Tonkinese
    • Contact This Old Gal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions & User Agreement
    • Recipe Photo Use Policy
    • Website Accessibility Statement

Home / Recipes / Main Courses / Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

January 27, 2018 By Jill Selkowitz / 13 Comments Updated October 7, 2021 / As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs I earn from qualifying purchases; see all disclosures.

Jump to Recipe

Healthy and Filling, Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls are super easy to make, using fresh and wholesome ingredients. In under 30 minutes, make them for lunch today.

Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Do you have a big pot of my Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Beans? Oh, you do, good!!!!

I love, love, love Cuban Food. I grew up with it, how could I not?

Quinoa is something I have struggled to enjoy. So, I set out to create recipes using Quinoa, that are fabulous.

My Instant Pot Chicken Fried Quinoa “Rice”is another delicious Quinoa recipe. 🙂  If you like Quinoa, you will enjoy the recipe.

That being said, Chicken is not my favorite protein and using BBQ Pork for the Fried Quinoa recipe, is a whole other ball of wax….for me! OMG, major yum.

If you are on the fence with Quinoa, I will tell you that my Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls will make you a Quinoa lover.

I don’t even miss the rice and now crave Quinoa Bowls.

Grab your Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker and let’s get cooking. A delicious and healthy meal, on your table, in under 30 minutes!

 

Cast of Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Cast of Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Cuban Black Beans are my thing and if you have not tried my recipe, you are missing out.

Sure, you can use a couple of cans of Black Beans, if you like but you will probably need to adjust the liquid and then the recipe won’t be CUBAN Black Beans.

If you prefer to use a can of Diced Tomatoes, it is not a problem.

In fact, you can even use a bit tub of Salsa and totally eliminate chopping any vegetables. Just dump it all in to the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker.

I’d love it however, if you would check out my Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Beans recipe, as it is fantastic and super easy to make.

This recipe is mostly a dump and push recipe.

This recipe and other Cuban favorites can be found in my brand new This Old Gal Pressure Cooker Cookbook!

 

Scrub the Quinoa to Remove Saponin

Scrub the Quinoa to Remove Saponin

Jump to Section

  • Why do I need to wash Quinoa?
  • What Seasonings are in Black Bean Quinoa Bowls!
  • Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowl

Why do I need to wash Quinoa?

  • Quinoa has a natural coating called Saponin.
  • If not rinsed, the Quinoa may taste soapy or bitter.
  • Packaged Quinoa may be already pre-washed, but it is still a good idea to give it a good scrubbing.

I usually put the Quinoa into a Medium Mixing Bowl with water and rub the grains between my fingers.

Then pour it through a Fine stainless steel mesh strainer and rinse it off once again.

 

Prep and Chop up all Vegetables

Prep and Chop up all Vegetables

The first thing to do is to dice up all of the vegetables.

If using Canned Diced Tomatoes, rather than fresh, don’t drain them. Fresh Tomatoes release a ton of liquid and the reason that additional liquid is not added to this recipes.

Don’t be afraid to use Canned Diced Tomatoes instead, as during certain times of the year, Canned Diced Tomatoes are a better option.

If you love “Bowl” type meals, you will enjoy my Pressure Cooker Chicken Taco Bowls and for an easy and delicious sandwich, try my Pressure Cooker Sloppy Joes.

 

Heat up Pressure Cooker, then add Oil

Heat up Pressure Cooker, then add Oil

Whenever you are planning on Browning, Searing or Sautéing using Stainless Steel or Cast Iron, it is essential to first, make sure to completely heat up the pot before adding the Oil to your Cast Iron Skillet, Stainless Steel Cookware or Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker.

Remember Cold Oil, Hot Pot.

This will turn your Stainless Steel Cooking Pot to non-stick.

For this recipe, I am using a very good, Extra Virgin Oil Oil, which I keep in my cute Red Oil Dispenser.

Why did I bring up Cast Iron? Well, if you are fond of Latin food, you have got to try my Pressure Cooker Pork Carnitas {Crispy Mexican Pulled Pork} recipe. It is the best you will find.

 

Add the Ingredients get added into Pressure Cooker

Add the Ingredients get added into Pressure Cooker

So, if you are going the Fresh Homemade route, after Sautéing your Aromatics, add in the Seasonings.

What Seasonings are in Black Bean Quinoa Bowls!

  • Fresh Garlic
  • Ground Cumin
  • Sea Salt
  • Fresh Lime Juice
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Fresh Cilantro Leaves
  • Bay Leaves

Mix in the liquids and the mix in the Pressure Cooker Cuban Black beans.

Sprinkle the Washed Quinoa over the top.

Quinoa cooks super fast, so it stays on the top, while the Peppers and Onions continue to cook.

If you don’t mind a crunchier Onion or Green Pepper, skip all the Sautéing and just add all the ingredients at once.

 

The Excess Liquid will be Absorbed Quickly

The Excess Liquid will be Absorbed Quickly

As you stir and fluff up the Quinoa, it will finish absorbing the liquid.

 

Instant Pot Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Instant Pot Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls are perfect for scooping up with Tortilla Chips.

I like to add Avocado Slices and eat them in a big bowl! I cannot wait for you to try this recipe and I hope you will let me know how you enjoyed your meal!

There are many more Cuban recipes to try. How about my Pressure Cooker Cuban Yuca con Mojo or Pasta de Bocaditos? My Air Fryer Cuban Sweet Plantains delicious and much less fat calories than pan frying.

Kitchen Equipment and Essentials

  • Instant Pot DUO Plus 60
  • J.A. Henckels Classic 7-inch Hollow Edge Santoku Knife
  • Amco Advanced Performance 18/10 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons
  • Simply Gourmet (Dry) Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
  • Anchor Hocking Glass (Liquid) Measuring Cups
  • di Oro Living Silicone Spatulals Set
  • Rachael Ray Stoneware EVOO Oil Dispensing Bottle
  • Porcelain & Bamboo Salt Box with Spoon
  • Gravity Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder
  • 6 oz Porcelain Ramekins
  • My FANTASTIC Teak Cutting & Charcuterie Board & Compartments
  • 3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
  • Fine stainless steel mesh strainer
  • Quinoa

Caring is sharing! If you would like to support This Old Gal, please share this recipe on Social Media, so that I can continue to bring you more wonderful recipes! 

If you share a picture of something you make from our blog, tag it with #thisoldgalcooks so we can see it. We might feature it on Instagram! It makes my day when I see you’ve made one of our recipes!

Here is the handy printable recipe:

Instant Pot Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowl

4.50 from 6 votes
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cuban
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute minute
Total Time: 16 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories:
Author: Jill Selkowitz

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 large Yellow/Brown Onion diced
  • 1 large Green Pepper diced
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper seeds removed, diced
  • 3 cloves Fresh Garlic minced
  • 1 pound Fresh or Canned Roma Tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Sea Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 ounce Fresh Cilantro Leaves chopped
  • 1 Bay Leaves
  • 1 Lime juiced
  • 1 pound Cuban Black Beans prepared
  • 8 ounces Quinoa washed

Garnish

  • 2 Avocados sliced
  • 1 Lime cut into wedged

Recommended Products

Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker

Instructions

  • Select Sauté or Browning on pressure cooker and allow to fully heat.
  • Add oil to cooking pot and swirl to coat bottom of pot.
  • Add Onions, Green Peppers, Jalapeño and Sauté for 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes and garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Mix in cumin, salt, pepper, lime juice, cilantro and Bay Leaf.  Then add Black Beans and quinoa on top. Do not stir.
  • Lock on Lid and close Pressure Valve. Cook at High Pressure for 1 minute. Wait 10 minutes and then release all pressure.
  • Remove Lid and Bay Leaf.  Fluff with a fork.  Serve with lime wedges and avocado slices.

Notes

Quinoa has a bitter soapy layer, called saponin. Place quinoa in a bowl of cold water and wash the seeds with your fingers.  Pour the Quinoa through a strainer to remove the water.
For a Vegan/Vegetarian version, prepare the Cuban Black Beans recipe without the Ham Hock.
If you don't have time to make Homemade Black Beans, then just use canned black beans.
Tried this recipe?Mention @ThisOldGalCooks or tag #thisoldgalcooks!
© ThisOldGal.com - Sharing the recipe link to any of my recipes posts are both encouraged and appreciated. Unauthorized and improperly attributed or non-attributed use of this material, including screen shots, copy/paste of full recipes to any social media site, website, mobile application or service (e.g., copymethat, recipe keeper, pepper) or cookbook, without the requisite attribution or otherwise with express written permission from Jill Selkowitz is strictly prohibited. You may share a photo with a link back instead.

PIN this Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls!

Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

792 shares
  • 119

January 27, 2018

About Jill Selkowitz

Hi, I'm Jill. I'm a mom to Tonkinese cats and enjoy sharing restaurant quality meals, easily made at home. With my easy step by step photos and directions, new cooks will be able to follow along and cook like rock stars.

Comments

  1. Virginia says

    September 30, 2021 at 11:42 am

    I’m in the process of making this. It says to add the garlic but the amount is not listed in the ingredients unless I’m blind. Just Curious but I’ll just throw some in because I like garlic@!

    Reply
  2. caryl Goodman says

    July 30, 2020 at 5:38 pm

    Sounds delicious. If you use canned
    black beans, do you drain/rinse them first?

    Reply
  3. Kristine says

    October 2, 2019 at 11:59 am

    I just tried the bowl recipe after making the Cuban Black Beans yesterday. There still seems like a LOT of liquid with the quinoa. Was I supposed to drain most of the liquid off the beans after I made them? Or is the quinoa bowl still fairly soupy?

    Reply
    • Jill Selkowitz says

      October 10, 2019 at 7:11 pm

      I don’t know how much liquid you had in your black beans, but it should not be very liquidy. Jill

      Reply
  4. Sharon Mallory says

    August 10, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    5 stars
    Very good made the beans first then the bowl. Yum

    Reply
    • Jill says

      August 10, 2018 at 8:41 pm

      Wow, wonderful to hear!!!! Jill

      Reply
  5. Jutta says

    February 15, 2018 at 10:15 am

    5 stars
    Cuban black beans, out of this world!
    Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
  6. Raissa Anstett says

    February 7, 2018 at 5:11 am

    Hi,

    Does this recipe not need any water/chicken stock in it for the quinoa to cook? i’m wondering how will the quinoa turn out without any liquid. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nina Millikin says

      September 7, 2019 at 5:05 pm

      5 stars
      I was really worried about this too, but there was totally enough liquid to cook the quinoa (I had lots of problems with the burn message though and it never came to pressure) and it cooked even though it never came to pressure. I used the Cuban bean recipe to make the beans and fresh tomatoes.

      Reply
  7. Cohoma says

    January 29, 2018 at 9:50 am

    Where would I add chicken breasts/thighs in the in-pot ingredient hierarchy? How would the addition of chicken {thawed/boneless/skinless} affect the cooking time?

    Reply
  8. Mary Barakzai says

    January 28, 2018 at 8:17 pm

    5 stars
    Hi, Jill,
    Followed your Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Bean Quinoa Bowls exactly, using canned diced tomatoes and black beans. However, the quinoa did not cook in the recommended time and remained crunchy. Did I miss something? According to the directions on the quinoa package, there needs to be 2 cups of liquid/cup of quinoa. Did I need to add water or broth? After adding water and microwaving a lot, it was tasty, but time consuming. Suggestions?
    Mary

    Reply
  9. Nancy Goodyear says

    January 28, 2018 at 4:07 am

    5 stars
    I made the eye of round roast beef recipe from your ite. It turned out wonderfully! I am pretty ew to pressure cooking, but am gaining courage with each success. Trying to eat more healthfully and clean without spending a lot of money. Thanks so much for the tips and recipes you share. Going to try the Black Bean Quinoa bowls next?

    Reply
    • Jill says

      January 28, 2018 at 3:32 pm

      Hi Nancy. Great news. Let me know how you like these Bowls. Jill

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome To My Kitchen

An image of Jill Selkowitz
Hi, I'm Jill, cooking enthusiast. Here you'll find top chef quality recipes with step by step photos and directions. More About Me

Memorial Day Recipes

Instant Pot Rare Roast Beef [Deli Style]

Instant Pot Rare Roast Beef [Deli Style]…

Instant Pot Banana Nut Bread

Instant Pot Banana Nut Bread [Grandma…

Pressure Cooker Classic Red Bliss Potato Salad

Pressure Cooker Classic Red Bliss Potato…

Pressure Cooker Carrot Hot Dogs with Cheese

Pressure Cooker Carrot Hot Dogs {Bunny…

Air Fryer

[facetwp facet="air_fryer"]

Instant Pot

[facetwp facet="instant_pot"]

Main

[facetwp facet="main"]

Popular

Instant Pot Greek Yogurt (Thick and…

Instant Pot New York Cheesecake #1 Best…

Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt [Cold Start…

Instant Pot No Knead Bread (Dutch Oven)…

Latest

20+ Superbowl 2024 Instant Pot Party…

Instant Pot Low Carb Wonton Soup [Recipe…

Sesame Garlic Noodles [w/Asian Flair]…

Instant Pot Low Carb UNStuffed Cabbage…

Seasonal

Air Fryer Chinese Salt & Pepper…

Instant Pot Eggs Benedict (w/IP…

Instant Pot Turkey Breast w/Gravy…

Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish…

Featured on:

About | Contact | Work With Me | Privacy Policy | Sitemap
Copyright ©2025, This Old Gal. All Rights Reserved.
792 shares