Pressure Cooker Smoked Kassler and White Bean Stew (No Soak)

1.Rinse the dried white beans thoroughly; no prior soaking is necessary for this pressure cooker method.

2.Select the Sauté function on your electric pressure cooker. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

3.Add the minced garlic and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.

4.Stir in the tomato paste and smoked paprika (if using), cooking for 1 minute to caramelize the paste and deepen the flavor. Press Cancel on the Sauté function.

5.Add the cubed Kassler, rinsed white beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.

6.Secure the lid on the pressure cooker, ensuring the vent is set to the Sealing position. Select Manual or High Pressure and cook for 35 minutes.

7.Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 15 minutes. Carefully Quick Release any remaining pressure, then open the lid.

8.Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the stew and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that Kassler is already salty, so season carefully.

9.If the stew is too thin, remove about 1 cup of beans and mash them with a fork, then return the mash to the pot to thicken the liquid. Use the Sauté function to simmer for 5 more minutes.

10.Ladle the hearty stew into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.