Go Back
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Natural Release 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas (about 2 cups), 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

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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

No Soaking Required: While many traditional black eyed pea recipes call for soaking, the high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot eliminates this need.
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.
QR Code linking back to recipe