Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Name: Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces dried black-eyed peas; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 8 ounces bacon (chopped); 1 onion (chopped); 1 rib celery (chopped); 2 carrots (peeled and diced); 1 jalapeño (seeded and diced); 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

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Looking for a quick and easy way to make black-eyed peas that everyone will love? Whether it’s New Year’s Day or you’re just looking for a simple side, these Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas are ready in about 60 minutes with only about 10 minutes of hands-on prep! Thanks to the bacon, jalapeño, and other veggies, this dish is packed with rich flavor and great texture.

Overhead close-up photo of instant pot black eyed peas.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Does cooking your own dried beans seem intimidating or time-consuming? When you use a pressure cooker like in this Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas recipe, it couldn’t be easier!

While their name would suggest otherwise, black-eyed peas are a bean, sometimes called black-eyed beans or goat peas. They’re low in fat and sodium while also being a great source of fiber, protein, and iron.

And when you cook them up with bacon, jalapeño, onion, celery, and carrots, you end up with a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for serving any time of year! Say goodbye to boring, bland beans, and hello to a great way to add some fiber to your day.

These Pressure Cooker Black Eyed Peas make a great side dish, but you can also enjoy them all on their own. Once you taste how satisfying they are, you’ll want to eat them for way more occasions than New Year’s Day!

For a full visual walkthrough, see my Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Web Story.

About Black Eyed Peas

Why Do We Eat Black Eyed Peas on New Years?

In the south, it’s considered good luck to eat black-eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day. The combination is said to bring prosperity in the upcoming year. If you’ve been looking for Southern Black Eyed Peas to kick off your New Year, give these a try!

Soak or No Soak

When you make Dried Black Eyed Peas in the Instant Pot, you don’t need to soak them ahead of time. I’ve never been able to tell the difference when I use the pressure cooker, so I skip that step to save time.

Of course, you’re more than welcome to soak them if you prefer. I recommend soaking for no more than 12 hours.

Ingredients for Making Black Eyed Peas in the Instant Pot

Photo of 16 ounces dried black-eyed peas 1 tablespoon avocado oil 8 ounces bacon chopped 1 onion chopped 1 rib celery chopped 2 carrots peeled and diced 1 jalapeño seeded and diced 6 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper on a white background.

Black-Eyed Peas - You want about 16 ounces of dried beans.
Oil - I prefer to use avocado oil because of the high smoke point.
Bacon - Chop the raw slices before adding them to the Instant Pot.
Vegetables - Onion, celery, and carrots add great flavor and texture to this dish.
Jalapeño - Seed and dice the pepper before adding it.
Chicken Broth - Whenever possible, I always recommend making your own, but store-bought is also fine.
Salt and Pepper - Add to taste.

Tips & Tricks

You don’t need to soak the peas ahead of time. Simply rinse, then add the dried black-eyed peas to the Instant Pot.
Chopping the bacon ensures that the meat will cook easily and blend nicely with your beans.
If you prefer mild heat, look for a jalalpeño with a smooth surface. If you like some spice, choose a pepper with more striations (the white stress lines on the skin).

Serving Suggestions

When you’re craving classic southern flavors, Slow-Cooker Collard Greens makes a delicious and easy side.
Mashed Potatoes Gratin is a simple yet indulgent twist on a classic.
If you’re looking for a main dish, these Ninja Foodi Grill Chicken Thighs are an easy recipe that the family will beg you for again and again.
Rice, like this Spanish Brown Rice is always a good option with black-eyed peas.
This would be fabulous with cornbread!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ratio of water to black-eyed peas?

To make this Black Eyed Peas Recipe in the pressure cooker, we’ll use 16 ounces of beans and 6 cups of liquid. 16 ounces is equal to 2 cups, so the ratio will be 1 part beans to 3 parts liquid.

Can I use something other than bacon?

A true Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe usually involves some kind of pork for flavor. You could also use ham, but be sure to watch it in the Instant Pot so it doesn’t burn while sauteing.

You could also add a ham hock for flavor.

Can this recipe be Vegetarian or Vegan?

You bet! Simply omit the bacon, then replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Water will also work in a pinch. The rest of the ingredients are completely vegan-friendly.

Tools Needed to Make This Black Eyed Peas Recipe

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Instant Pot
Colander
Measuring cup

Storage

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For much longer storage, you can also place them in the freezer.

Once cooked in the Instant Pot, Frozen Black Eyed Peas will stay fresh for about 6 months.

How to Cook Black Eyed Peas in the Instant Pot

Rinse the black-eyed peas well and set aside.

Set your Instant Pot to high Sauté. When it’s preheated, add the oil, bacon, onion, celery, carrots, and jalapeño. Cook for about 8 minutes until the bacon is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Photo of a preheated Instant Pot on saute

Photo of bacon and vegetables in an instant pot.

Add ½ a cup of the broth, then scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot.

Add the remaining broth, black-eyed peas, salt, and pepper. Cancel the Sauté function and place the lid on the pressure cooker.

Set the steam release knob to sealing, then Select Manual/High Pressure Cook for 25 minutes.

Photo of broth, black eyed peas, and seasonings being added to an instant pot with sauteed bacon and vegetables.

Black Eyed Peas in an Instant Pot after cookiing.

When the time is up, let the steam release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.

Stir and enjoy!