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    Home ≫ Side Dish

    Best Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

    Updated January 1, 2021. Originally Posted January 1, 2021 By Nikole This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

    308 shares
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    Jump to Recipe
    Bowl of black eyed peas.
    Bowl of black eyed peas.
    A bowl of black eyed peas.
    Instant pot black eyed peas.
    Instant pot black eyed peas.

    You'll love this flavorful and easy these Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe. They are loaded with smoky flavor thanks to the addition of ham and bacon. They are the perfect side dish for a happy New Year's Day or any time of year. Ready in about an hour!

    A bowl of black eyed peas.

    Don't miss these popular recipes! Instant Pot Beef Brisket, No Bake Chocolate Pie, and Baked Spaghetti Casserole.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    It's so easy to make. Using the Instant Pot or pressure cooker takes the guesswork out of making beans. Just follow a few steps and you'll have a delicious, smoky, and satisfying black eyed peas ready in less than an hour.

    Made with easy to find pantry staples. You can easily find ingredients like dried black eyed peas, chicken broth, ham, bacon and simple spices at your local grocery store.

    No soaking required! There's no need to soak the black eyed peas, that way you lock in the flavor, instead of throwing it out with the soaking liquid. And there's no need to plan hours in advance.

    Ingredients

    Dried black eyed peas - I buy these in the 1 pound bag. Be sure to sort them to get rid of any rocks or debris.

    Smoked ham - If you have some leftover ham from Thanksgiving or Christmas (that you might have frozen) then this is a great way to use those leftovers. If you don't have any, then use a slab of good quality deli ham that's been sliced ¼ to ½ inch thick.

    Chicken broth - I always choose low sodium. Use homemade, or vegetable broth if that's what you prefer.

    Onions- I prefer yellow onions, but use your preferred variety.

    Bacon - I like thick cut. If you use regular, you can add 2 more strips.

    Garlic - I love garlic! I use an entire head of garlic with the tips cut off.

    Oil - to cook the bacon and onions.

    Herbs and spices - Bay leaves, cayenne, salt and pepper. You might also like smoked paprika or chili powder.

    ingredients to make the recipe

    How do I make black eyed peas in the instant pot?

    Step 1: Sort black eyed peas by spreading them on a large cookie sheet. Discard any beans that are broken, split or shriveled, along with any stones or debris you might find. Put them in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Set aside.

    Step 2: Set Instant Pot to the Sauté setting on medium heat for 8 minutes. Be sure the "keep warm" setting is On (mine does this by default). When IP is heated, add oil, bacon, and onions. Cook until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add black pepper and cayenne pepper to bacon mixture. Stir and cook for one to two minutes more.

    Cooked bacon in the instant pot. Adding garlic and broth to instant pot.

    Step 3: Press Cancel on the IP if it's still on. Add chicken broth, ham, water, black eyed peas, bay leaves, and head of garlic. Stir to combine. Close and lock lid. Select Pressure Cook and set to cook time to Manual or High Pressure for 25 minutes. Turn "keep warm" to Off.

    Step 4: At the end of the cooking cycle and pressure cooker beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Release remaining pressure by pressing the steam release valve with the handle end of a wooden spoon. Cover the valve with a kitchen towel to prevent any hot steam from splattering on the counter or your hand.

    Step 5: When the metal indicator valve drops and all steam has been released, it's safe to open the lid. Remove the bay leaves and head of garlic. Taste for saltiness, and add salt if necessary.

    Step 6: Partially mash black eyed peas with a potato masher to desired consistency.

    Cooked black eyed peas being mashed in instant pot.

    If you prefer a thicker broth, select the Sauté function on Medium heat for 5 minutes. Cook black eyed peas, stirring occasionally.

    Recipe notes and tips

    Be sure you are familiar with your brand of pressure cooker before making this recipe. Read the safeguards and instructions to understand the controls and features. I made this recipe with the Instant Pot Ultra 60.

    Buy a slab of ham from the deli if you can't find any thick slices. Most stores also carry pre-diced ham. However, I have found that the best flavor comes from high quality deli meat or leftover ham that hasn't been sweetened.

    Be sure to taste the black eyed peas before adding salt. The ham, bacon, and chicken broth all contain salt and will probably be salty enough.

    The black eyed peas will thicken as it cools. Add a splash of water or broth when re-heating, if desired. Adjust salt and pepper.

    Serve with corn bread or rice for a simple meal or as a side dish with your favorite main.

    Drizzle with olive oil and a few dashes of hot sauce.

    Variations

    Use a ham bone, ham hock, or ham shank. If you happen to have a leftover ham bone, add it in before you set the black eyed peas to cook. Spoon off any froth that may have accumulated.

    How to make vegetarian black eyed peas: replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit ham and bacon. Try adding sliced fresh mushrooms instead of bacon and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Add a can of drained diced tomatoes or Rotel and some fresh, chopped bell pepper.

    Storage

    Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Freeze in freezer safe storage containers for up to three months.

    Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or stove top until hot.

    Common questions

    Is it best to soak black eyed peas before cooking.

    No, it's not necessary! And they will cook up quickly in the instant pot.

    Why do you eat black eye peas on New Year's?

    Eating black eyed peas, cornbread and collard greens are a tradition in the southern United States. Black eyed peas are thought to be lucky, collards are supposed to represent money, and cornbread is thought to represent gold.

    Are black eyed peas healthy?

    Black eyed peas are a good source of protein and fiber!

    Bowl of black eyed peas.

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    Bowl of black eyed peas.

    Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

    Recipe by Nikole Berg
    You'll love how flavorful and easy these Instant Pot black eyed peas are to make! They are loaded with smoky flavor thanks to the addition of ham and bacon. They are the perfect side dish for New Year's Day or anytime the craving for black eyed peas hits. Ready in less than an hour!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Servings 8
    Calories 342 kcal

    Equipment

    Instant Pot

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 lb black eyed peas, dried sorted and rinsed
    • 2 tablespoon oil mild flavored such as canola or vegetable
    • 4 strips bacon, thick cut cut into half inch pieces
    • 1 med onion, diced small about 1 cup
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne red pepper ground
    • 4 cups chicken broth low sodium if desired
    • 8 ounces smoked ham diced into half inch pieces
    • 2 cups water
    • 3 bay leaves
    • 1 head garlic tips cut off
    • Salt to taste may not be needed

    To serve

    • Tabasco or other hot sauce
    • Corn bread
    • Hot cooked rice
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions
     

    • Sort black eyed peas by spreading them on a large cookie sheet. Discard any beans that are broken, split or shriveled, along with any stones or debris you might find. Put them in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Set aside.
    • Set Instant Pot to the Sauté setting on medium heat for 8 minutes. Be sure the "keep warm" setting is On (mine does this by default). When IP is heated, add oil, bacon, and onions. Cook until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add black pepper and cayenne pepper to bacon mixture. Stir and cook for one to two minutes more. 
    • Press Cancel on the IP if it's still on. Add chicken broth, ham, water, black eyed peas, bay leaves, and head of garlic. Stir to combine. Secure lid. Select Pressure Cook and set to Manual or High Pressure for 25 minutes. Turn "keep warm" to Off.
    • At the end of the cooking cycle and Instant Pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Release remaining pressure by pressing the steam release valve with the handle end of a wooden spoon. Cover the valve with a kitchen towel to prevent any hot steam from splattering on the counter or your hand.
    • When the valve drops and all steam has been released, it's safe to open the lid. Remove the bay leaves and head of garlic. Taste for saltiness, and add more if necessary.
    • Partially mash black eyed peas with a potato masher to desired consistency.
    • If you prefer a thicker broth, select the Sauté function on Medium heat for 5 minutes. Cook black eyed peas, stirring occasionally.

    Notes

    Be sure you are familiar with your brand of pressure cooker before making this recipe. Read the safeguards and instructions to understand the controls and features. I made this recipe with the Instant Pot Ultra 60.
    Buy a slab of ham from the deli if you can't find any thick slices. Most stores also carry pre-diced ham. However, I have found that the best flavor comes from high quality deli meat or leftover ham that hasn't been sweetened.
    How to make vegetarian black eyed peas: replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit ham and bacon. Try adding sliced fresh mushrooms instead of bacon. Add a can of drained diced tomatoes or Rotel, or canned corn instead of ham.
    The black eyed peas will thicken as it cools. Add a splash of water or broth  when re-heating, if desired. Adjust salt and pepper.
    Serve with corn bread or rice for a simple meal or as a side dish with your favorite main.
    Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 21gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 907mgPotassium: 870mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword good luck foods, how to make beans in instant pot, new year
    Tried this recipe?Click here to leave a helpful tip!

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    308 shares
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    About Nikole

    Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Reecinda Smith

      January 15, 2021 at 3:02 pm

      Thank you Nikole for posting this recipe. I have had an IP for years but have been afraid to use it and honestly just don't know how. Excited to try these recipes. Looks delicious!!

      Reply
      • Nikole

        January 16, 2021 at 11:59 am

        Your welcome! I love using mine. I'm in the process of testing several more recipes so keep checking back for more!

        Reply

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