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.
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!
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
- 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.
If you want to mimic the smoky flavor from bacon, try adding in a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
Tools Needed to Make This Black Eyed Peas Recipe
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- Instant Pot
- Colander
- Measuring cup
Storage
After enjoying your black eye peas in the instapot, 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.
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.
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 your black eyed peas from the pressure cooker!
You May Also Like These Bean Recipes
- These Slow Cooker Black Beans are crazy easy to make and much better for you than canned beans.
- For a great vegan lunch or light dinner, White Bean Salad with Tahini Dressing is packed with flavor and so delicious!
- Black Bean Quinoa Burgers are a veggie burger recipe I turn to again and again.
- Slow Cooker Refried Bean Dip is an easy and healthier alternative to traditional refried beans for a perfect game day side.
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Equipment
- Instant Pot
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
Instructions
- Rinse the black-eyed peas well and set them aside.
- Set your Instant Pot to high sauté. When it is 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.
- Pour ½ cup of the broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot.
- Add the remaining broth, black-eyed peas, salt, and pepper.
- Cancel the saute function and place the lid on the pressure cooker.
- Set the steam release knob to sealing and select Manual/Pressure Cook for 25 minutes.
- When the time is up, let the steam release naturally for 10 minutes and then do a quick release.
Jane
Hi Wendy - my grocery store didn't have dried black eyed peas so I'm wondering if a 19 oz can would work instead for this recipe? Thank you!
Wendy Polisi
I wouldn’t pressure cook black eyed peas that are canned. I would put everything else in the instant pot and cook it for two minutes. Let the pressure release and add your black eyed peas. Slow cook to let the flavors combine.
Nelda
Excellent recipe! I cooked them for dinner and even my husband enjoyed them. Thank you for the recipe.
Wendy Polisi
So glad that you liked it!