FAST/SLOW / QUICK RELEASE / CAN BE GLUTEN-FREE / FREEZES WELL
Black Bean and Kielbasa Soup
6 to 8 servings
Since black beans need special attention, we crafted this recipe to highlight their decidedly sweet flavor, pairing them with lots of vegetables, smoked sausage, and a blend of spices. The soup will be fairly thin when it’s finished. If you want to thicken it, scoop out 1 cup cooked beans with some of the liquid and puree in a small blender or food processor until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.
1 pound dried black beans
1½ tablespoons vegetable, corn, or canola oil
2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, cored, and chopped (2 cups)
1 large yellow onion, chopped (1½ cups)
10 ounces smoked kielbasa, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium garlic cloves, peeled and minced (2 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1½ quarts (6 cups) chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1. Pour the beans into a large bowl, fill it with cool tap water, and set aside to soak at room temperature overnight, for at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours. Drain the beans in a large colander set in the sink.
2.
Press the button for: SAUTÉ
Set it for: MEDIUM, NORMAL, or CUSTOM 300°F
Set the time for: 10 minutes
If necessary, press: START
3. Warm the oil in a 6- or 8-quart cooker for a minute or two. Add the bell pepper and onion; cook, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the sausage and cook, stirring once in a while, just until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic, cumin, oregano, thyme, allspice, and pepper until aromatic, just a few seconds. Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits on the pot’s bottom. Turn off the SAUTÉ function, stir in the drained beans, and lock the lid onto the pot.
5.
Set the machine for: PRESSURE COOK
Set the level for: MAX
The valve must be: 
Set the time for: 15 minutes with the KEEP WARM setting off
If necessary, press: START
Set the machine for: SOUP / BROTH, PRESSURE COOK, or MANUAL
Set the level for: HIGH
The valve must be: Closed
Set the time for: 20 minutes with the KEEP WARM setting off
If necessary, press: START
Set the machine for: SLOW COOK
Set the level for: HIGH
The valve must be: Opened
Set the time for: 4 hours with the KEEP WARM setting off (or on for no more than 2 hours)
If necessary, press: START
6. If you’ve used a pressure setting, when the machine has finished cooking, use the quick-release method to return its pressure to normal.
7. Unlatch the lid and open the pot. Stir in the lime juice and serve hot.