Description
Instant Pot Haitian Rice and Beans (Diri Kole ak Pwa) is a rich, comforting Caribbean classic made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Tender red kidney beans and fluffy jasmine rice are infused with garlic, onions, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper for authentic Haitian flavor—ready in a fraction of the traditional time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sprig thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups jasmine or long-grain rice, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional Add-ins: ½ cup coconut milk for richness, ¼ cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the Beans: Soak dried kidney beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and cook onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Cook the Beans: Add soaked beans and 3 cups of water or broth. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let pressure release naturally.
- Add Rice and Seasoning: Open lid, check beans, then add rice, salt, pepper, and Scotch bonnet. Add coconut milk if desired.
- Pressure Cook Again: Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let naturally release for 10 minutes before quick releasing the rest.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Fluff rice with fork and serve warm with proteins or sides.
Notes
- Use fresh beans—older beans may stay hard even under pressure.
- Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent clumping or sticky texture.
- Adjust liquid as needed if beans absorb too much broth before adding rice.
- Allow natural release for fluffier rice texture and even cooking.
- Flavor boost: Add parsley, scallions, or smoked paprika for variations.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Haitian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Instant Pot Haitian Rice and Beans, Diri Kole ak Pwa, Haitian Rice Recipe, Haitian Beans, Caribbean Rice and Beans, Instant Pot Rice Recipe, Vegan Caribbean Food, Haitian Food, Easy Instant Pot Recipes, Gluten-Free Rice Dish