If you soak black beans overnight, empty the water and let them dry for a day or two, they will sprout. I discovered this by accident when I had soaked too many beans and wanted to save the rest for later. Technically known as a radicle, the tiny shoots that emerge from the bean “seed” are embryonic roots that, if left in soil, would eventually sprout into a full-blown bean plant.

I made this soup in less than half an hour, including all prep and cleanup:

• 1/2 cup sprouted black beans [1]
• 1/2 cup lentils
• Mirepoix (half onion, celery, red bell pepper)
• Chopped ham
• 1 cup water, plus 1/2 TBS chicken stock concentrate

Put it in the Instant Pot for 8 minutes, natural release for 5 minutes

The beans could have gone another minute, and definitely the lentils were a bit hard. Next time set the timer for 10 minutes. Because there’s little water, it doesn’t take too long to come up to speed.

[1] Sprouted beans: soak black beans overnight. Change the water (dump, refill) a few times the next day. Then empty the water and leave the beans to dry for a day or two. The beans will begin to sprout surprisingly quickly.