There's something deeply comforting about a bowl of black eyed peas, especially when it's cooked just right. Whether it's part of a New Year's tradition or a cozy weeknight dinner, this quick black eyed peas in the Instant Pot recipe brings maximum flavor with minimal effort. No soaking, no babysitting the stove, and absolutely no fuss. This is for anyone who wants the best black eyed peas recipe that doesn’t require an all-day commitment.
Quick Black Eyed Peas in the Instant Pot
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Pressure Build/Release 10 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Instant Pot (6-quart or larger) Essential for pressure cooking. Any electric pressure cooker, often dubbed "Instapot," works great.
Wooden spoon For stirring the aromatics.
Cutting board and knife For prepping the vegetables and meat.
Measuring cups and spoons Accuracy matters!
- 1 pound dried black eyed peas unsoaked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or any neutral oil like avocado or canola
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked sausage or turkey leg
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar added at the end for brightness
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped collard greens or kale
- 1 can diced tomatoes drained
- Dash of hot sauce for serving
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Once it reads "HOT," add the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Protein
Add the ham hock or sausage, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Stir for a minute to coat everything in the spices. This layer of flavor forms the base of the dish.
Step 3: Add Black Eyed Peas and Liquid
Pour in the dried black eyed peas (no soaking necessary), followed by the chicken broth, water, and bay leaves. Stir everything to combine, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Lock the lid and set your Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 30 minutes on high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to let out the remaining steam.
Step 5: Final Touches
Open the lid and stir in the apple cider vinegar. If you're adding greens or tomatoes, mix them in now and set to "Sauté" for an extra 5 minutes to let everything blend together. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, ideally with cornbread, rice, or over grits. For a southern-style feast, pair with collard greens and sweet potatoes.
Pairings in Detail
Black eyed peas are deliciously versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes:
- Cornbread: The sweetness and crumbly texture complement the creamy peas.
- White rice or jasmine rice: Ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Grits: For a southern brunch twist, serve the peas over cheesy grits.
- Braised greens: Collard greens, mustard greens, or even spinach round out the plate with earthiness.
- Fried catfish or baked chicken: For a heartier meal.
- Hot sauce and chopped scallions: Simple garnishes that elevate the final bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh black eyed peas instead of dried?
Absolutely! A fresh black eyed peas recipe will cook faster in the Instant Pot—around 15-20 minutes of pressure cooking should be enough. Just reduce the liquid slightly.
2. What cut of meat works best in this recipe?
Smoked ham hocks give the dish a deep, smoky flavor. But for variety, you can use boneless chicken thighs, smoked turkey legs, or even bacon. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
3. How do I adapt this for the stove top?
A black eyed peas recipe stove top version would involve soaking the peas overnight, then simmering them with the same ingredients for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level.
4. Can I make this with canned black eyed peas?
Yes, but you'll need to make big adjustments. A canned black eyed peas recipe should only simmer for about 15 minutes, just to meld the flavors. Use half the broth and skip the pressure cooking entirely.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Let the cooked peas cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. They last up to 3 months in the freezer and reheat well in the microwave or stovetop.
