Pinto Bean Soup-pressure cooker style

I was recently lucky to acquire a package of Garlic Gusto Gourmet Seasoning from Deb and Mike at GFreeTV, and made this delicious creamy dinner for pennies. It is a hearty soup that fills the house with good scents and it's quick and easy too.

 For extra nutrition, add in mushrooms, chicken, quinoa, or rice.  I like it just as a soup but you can put 1/4 cup cooked rice (or quinoa) in a bowl, add the soup and drizzle with cooked leftover chicken to make it extra yummy. A great way to use leftovers.

 Double this recipe (using 2 packets of course) and freeze the rest. Dinner is done for next time. Great for quick, heat and serve dinners when you don't want to cook.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups dried pinto beans picked over rinsed and soaked and drained.
• 1 large onion (diced)
• oil of choice 
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 package of Garlic Gusto Gourmet Seasoning by califinefoods.com
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• water

Directions:

1. Soak beans in water overnight or boil water in a large saucepan, add 1 tablespoon baking soda (optional) turn off the heat pour in the beans and top with a lid. Let soak for at least an hour. Rinse and drain.
   
2. Add about 3 tablespoons oil or so into the pressure cooker. (my cooker is a 5 quart)
   
3. On medium heat cook diced onions until you can sort of see through them.
   
4. Add bay leaf, stirring so the bay leaf can absorb into the onions and not scorch 1-3 minutes.
   
5. Add drained, soaked pinto beans, stir to mix well.
   
6. Add package of Garlic Gusto Gourmet Seasoning, and Italian seasoning mixing thoroughly. Cook for about 1-3 minutes to get the spices ready to release their fragrance.
   
7. Add fresh water to about two thirds of the pot full (or more if needed). Screw on lid and top with pressure topper. Medium high heat. (always follow manufactures directions)
   
8. When pressure cooker topper starts to rock, maintain the rocking for 25 minutes. (Turn down heat if necessary but, maintain rocking .)
   
9. Turn off heat and let cool for about 15 minutes. Check to see if pressure has gone down enough to open. If not, cool under cold water until pressure is released.
   
10. Open pressure cooker and use a hand blender* and blend until smooth. 

Serve with a dollop of sour creme, hot biscuits and salad for a hearty, satisfying, fall dinner or lunch.

*If you don't have a hand blender use a regular stand blender with lid. Be careful of hot splashes.

 Source: Olinda