Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas are a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a quick and nutritious meal, delivering tender, smoky goodness in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms humble black eyed peas into a delicious, satisfying, and budget-friendly staple, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive occasions. You’ll love how effortlessly the Instant Pot creates perfectly cooked black eyed peas every single time, saving you time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Key Ingredients for Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Here’s everything you’ll need to create a truly delicious pot of Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas:
- 1 pound (about 2 cups) dried black eyed peas: rinsed thoroughly under cold water
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth: for a rich, flavorful base, or water for a lighter version
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: for sautéing
- 1 medium yellow onion: finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 1 cup smoked ham hock, bacon, or turkey leg: diced, for smoky flavor (optional, omit for vegetarian/vegan)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes: undrained, for acidity and sweetness
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: for aromatic depth
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: for an extra layer of smoky flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: adjust to taste for a hint of heat (optional)
- 1 bay leaf: for subtle herbal notes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, hot sauce, cornbread
How to Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
This Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas recipe is wonderfully easy, offering a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. It stands out for its rich, smoky flavor profile and creamy texture, achieved quickly thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. In just about 45 minutes of total time, including prep, you’ll have a hearty, comforting dish that tastes like it simmered all day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Rinse the Black Eyed Peas: Rinse the dried black eyed peas thoroughly under cold running water. Pick through them to remove any small stones or debris. Soaking is not required for this Instant Pot method.
- Sauté Aromatics: Press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If using ham hock, bacon, or turkey leg, add it now and cook until lightly browned.
- Deglaze (If Necessary): If you notice any bits sticking to the bottom of the pot, add a splash of broth or water and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze. This helps prevent a “BURN” error.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed black eyed peas, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 20 minutes on High Pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for 15 minutes. This means you do nothing and let the pressure drop on its own. After 15 minutes, carefully move the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure.
- Season and Serve: Once the float valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Discard the bay leaf and any large pieces of ham hock, bacon, or turkey leg if you prefer. Taste the black eyed peas and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed. If you desire a slightly thicker consistency, you can mash a small portion of the peas against the side of the pot with a fork.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a dash of your favorite hot sauce, perhaps alongside some warm cornbread.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
You’ll absolutely adore these Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas for their incredibly rich, smoky, and deeply comforting flavor that miraculously comes together in under an hour. Unlike traditional methods requiring hours of simmering, the Instant Pot delivers perfectly tender peas with a creamy, well-seasoned sauce, making it an instant weeknight hero. Not only is it unbelievably convenient, but making these at home also offers significant cost savings compared to store-bought versions or restaurant dishes, while giving you complete control over the quality of ingredients.
The dish truly shines with its star ingredient: perfectly cooked black eyed peas absorbing all the savory goodness from smoked ham hock (or a vegetarian alternative), robust broth, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and thyme. It’s a delightful alternative to a traditional bean soup, offering a heartier, more satisfying texture. Don’t miss out on this fantastic recipe – try it tonight and savor the flavor, convenience, and savings!
What to Serve Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas With
These Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of complementary dishes. For a classic Southern meal, serve them alongside warm, buttery cornbread or cornbread muffins to soak up all the flavorful broth. A simple side of collard greens or mustard greens, either sautéed or simmered until tender, makes for a perfectly balanced and traditional pairing.
If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, these peas are fantastic with smoked sausage, grilled chicken, or even pulled pork. For a vegetarian option, a side of steamed rice or quinoa creates a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t forget a dash of your favorite hot sauce on the side for an extra kick! A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the peas.
Top Tips for Perfecting Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
- No Soaking Required: While many traditional black eyed pea recipes call for soaking, the high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot eliminates this need. This saves you valuable time and last-minute planning!
- Flavor Boosters: Don’t skip the aromatic ingredients like onion, garlic, and smoked meat (if using). These build the foundational flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, a good quality smoked paprika, a dash of liquid smoke, or even some nutritional yeast can help replicate that savory, smoky depth.
- Seasoning is Key: Black eyed peas can be bland without proper seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and other spices at the end of cooking. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Preventing the “BURN” Message: Always deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom before adding liquids and pressure cooking. This is crucial for preventing the dreaded “BURN” error.
- Consistency Control: If your peas are too liquidy, you can mash a small portion against the side of the pot with a spoon or fork to release some starch and thicken the broth. If they are too thick, add a splash more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Variety in Smoked Meats: If you don’t have ham hocks, feel free to use diced bacon, smoked turkey necks, or a smoked sausage. Each will lend a slightly different but equally delicious smoky flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: While the Instant Pot is forgiving, avoid setting the cooking time too long, as this can result in mushy peas. 20 minutes with a natural release is usually perfect for firm yet tender peas.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas for days to come. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. The black eyed peas will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these peas freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, gently warm the black eyed peas on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If they appear too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, covering the dish and stirring halfway through. Freezing and reheating don’t compromise the flavor or texture much, making this an ideal meal prep component!
Final Thoughts
These Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas are more than just a meal; they’re a symphony of comfort, flavor, and convenience, perfect for nourishing your body and soul. Don’t hesitate to invite this incredibly satisfying and easy dish into your kitchen – you’ll be amazed at how quickly and effortlessly you can create such a deeply flavorful experience. Give it a try, and let your Instant Pot do all the hard work!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas FAQs
Q1: Do I need to soak black eyed peas before cooking them in the Instant Pot?
A1: No, one of the best advantages of cooking black eyed peas in the Instant Pot is that pre-soaking is not required. You can cook them directly from dried, saving you time and planning.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A2: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the ham hock, bacon, or turkey leg. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra depth, you can add a dash of liquid smoke, more smoked paprika, or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to enhance the savory flavor.
Q3: How can I prevent the “BURN” error on my Instant Pot?
A3: The most common cause of the “BURN” error is food stuck to the bottom of the pot. After sautéing the aromatics, always deglaze the pot thoroughly by adding a splash of broth or water and scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon before adding the remaining ingredients and pressure cooking.
Q4: My black eyed peas are still a bit firm. What should I do?
A4: If your black eyed peas are still too firm after the initial cooking time and natural release, you can reseal the Instant Pot and pressure cook them for an additional 5-10 minutes on High Pressure, followed by another natural release. This can vary based on the age and dryness of the peas.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A5: Yes! Diced carrots or celery can be added along with the onion at the sautéing stage for extra flavor and nutrients. A handful of fresh spinach or kale can also be stirred in after the pressure cooking is complete, allowing it to wilt in the residual heat.
Q6: What is a natural pressure release (NPR) and why is it important for this recipe?
A6: Natural pressure release (NPR) means allowing the Instant Pot to depressurize on its own without manually venting. For black eyed peas, NPR for 15 minutes is crucial as it allows the peas to continue cooking gently and absorb more liquid, resulting in a creamier texture and preventing them from bursting. After 15 minutes, you can do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the dried black eyed peas thoroughly under cold running water. Pick through them to remove any small stones or debris. Soaking is not required for this Instant Pot method.1 pound dried black eyed peas
- Press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If using ham hock, bacon, or turkey leg, add it now and cook until lightly browned.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup smoked ham hock, bacon, or turkey leg
- If you notice any bits sticking to the bottom of the pot, add a splash of broth or water and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze. This helps prevent a “BURN” error.6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Stir in the rinsed black eyed peas, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine.1 pound dried black eyed peas, 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 bay leaf
- Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 20 minutes on High Pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for 15 minutes. This means you do nothing and let the pressure drop on its own. After 15 minutes, carefully move the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure.
- Once the float valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Discard the bay leaf and any large pieces of ham hock, bacon, or turkey leg if you prefer. Taste the black eyed peas and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed. If you desire a slightly thicker consistency, you can mash a small portion of the peas against the side of the pot with a fork.1 bay leaf, 1 cup smoked ham hock, bacon, or turkey leg, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a dash of your favorite hot sauce, perhaps alongside some warm cornbread.chopped fresh parsley, hot sauce, cornbread
Notes
Flavor Boosters: Don’t skip the aromatic ingredients like onion, garlic, and smoked meat (if using). These build the foundational flavor profile.
Seasoning is Key: Black eyed peas can be bland without proper seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and other spices at the end of cooking.