Set the Instant Pot in saute mode. Add the 1.5 tbsp of oil and, when the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Saute until the onion turns soft and tender or for about 3 to 4 minutes. Now turn off the Instant Pot. Turning it off after sauteing onion helps to prevent the burn signal in the newer Instant Pot models.
Now add the tomatoes on top, followed by the spices and salt.
Next, add the beans, tomato paste, and broth. Do not mix.
Close the Instant Pot. Make sure the vent is in the sealing position. Select manual/pressure cook and set the time to 2-minutes at high-pressure mode. When the cooking is complete, wait for 10 minutes, then quickly release the remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid after releasing the pressure.
Now add the cilantro, gently mix the stew, and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes in saute mode. Check for seasoning and adjust at this stage. This simmering step is optional. But it helps the sauce to thicken a bit. Turn off the Instant Pot and serve the Moroccan white bean stew warm with bread or rice or relish it as is.
Notes
You can use cannellini or navy, or great northern beans for this recipe.
Make sure to rinse the canned beans well before using.
Do not over mix the beans in the Instant Pot. While pressure cooking, leave the beans as a top layer. As the canned beans were already soft, we don't want to over mix and make them mushy.
As always, adjust the spices and salt to your taste. For a spicy stew, add up to 2 tsps of chili powder.
Instead of fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes too.