Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

This hearty Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe has become my go-to dish for bringing good luck and comfort to my family table. The pressure cooker transforms these humble legumes into a rich, smoky, tender bowl of goodness with minimal effort but maximum flavor.

I first made this recipe last New Year's Day when we needed our annual luck boost, and it was so delicious that it's now on regular rotation in our house regardless of the season.

Ingredients

• Dried black eyed peas: Provides the perfect texture and absorbs flavors beautifully look for peas with smooth skins and no discoloration
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor base
• Yellow onion: The aromatic foundation that adds sweetness as it cooks
• Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh vegetal note and slight sweetness
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is essential choose firm bulbs with tight skin
• Jalapeño pepper: Provides a gentle heat that balances the earthiness of the peas
• Tomato paste: Concentrates umami flavor and adds richness
• Kosher salt: The coarser texture dissolves perfectly during cooking
• Cayenne pepper: Adds warming heat without overwhelming the dish
• Smoked paprika: Crucial for that smoky depth always use fresh for best flavor
• Crushed tomatoes: Adds acidity and body to the broth
• Vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful cooking liquid homemade is best if possible
• Liquid smoke: The secret ingredient that gives that coveted smokiness without meat
• Bay leaves: Subtle aromatic note that ties everything together
• Fresh thyme: Adds brightness and herbal notes use fresh rather than dried if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak the Beans:

Thoroughly wash the dried black eyed peas under cool running water until it runs clear. Transfer to a large bowl and cover with fresh water, allowing at least two inches of water above the beans. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This step is crucial for even cooking and digestibility.

Prep the Aromatics:

Drain and rinse your soaked peas in a colander. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook them with occasional stirring for a full 8-10 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This slow cooking develops a sweetness that will form the flavor foundation of your dish.

Build the Flavor Base:

Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños to the softened aromatics. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Browning garlic can make it bitter. Stir in the tomato paste, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices, which releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavors.

Create the Broth:

Pour in the vegetable broth and liquid smoke, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step is crucial for both flavor and preventing the burn warning. Crush the canned tomatoes by hand directly over the pot for a rustic texture. Add the bay leaves, thyme sprig, and your soaked black eyed peas. Stir everything together to ensure the peas are fully submerged in the liquid.

Pressure Cook to Perfection:

Allow the mixture to come to a boil using the sauté function. This preheating step helps achieve more consistent cooking results. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing position. Set to manual high pressure for exactly 15 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the lid pointing away from your face to avoid steam burns. Using a slotted spoon, gently remove any foam that may have formed on the surface. This step ensures a cleaner flavor and presentation. Give everything a gentle stir to incorporate any settled ingredients before serving hot.

Save This

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the liquid smoke. I discovered this ingredient years ago when trying to recreate my grandmother's deeply flavored beans without using ham hock. That small teaspoon transforms these peas into something truly special that even my meat-loving relatives request by name.

Storage and Reheating

These black eyed peas actually improve with time as the flavors meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture will thicken considerably when chilled, which many people prefer. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent scorching on the bottom.

Variations and Substitutions

While this vegetarian version is delicious on its own, you can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs or ingredients on hand. For a meaty version, add a ham hock or smoked turkey wing during pressure cooking. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash about a cup of the cooked peas against the side of the pot before serving. No black eyed peas available? This recipe works beautifully with pinto beans, navy beans, or even lentils with adjusted cooking times.

Serving Suggestions

In Southern tradition, serve these black eyed peas with collard greens and cornbread for a complete good luck meal. The peas represent coins for prosperity, while greens symbolize folding money. For a heartier meal, serve over steamed rice or with a side of roasted sweet potatoes. A dash of hot sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or green onions adds brightness to each bowl. For a festive touch when serving guests, offer small bowls of toppings like diced red onion, chopped fresh tomatoes, or crispy bacon bits.

The Cultural Significance

Black eyed peas have been a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Southern American cuisine for generations, particularly when eaten on New Year's Day. This tradition dates back to the Civil War era when black eyed peas were considered livestock feed but became essential sustenance during times of scarcity. The humble pea came to represent resilience and the ability to thrive despite challenging circumstances. While traditionally cooked with pork for flavor, this vegetarian version honors the spirit of the dish while making it accessible to more people.

Common Queries

→ Do I need to soak the black eyed peas first?

Soaking the peas overnight reduces cooking time and results in a creamier texture, but you can cook them unsoaked with a slightly longer pressure time.

→ Can I replace the vegetable broth with another liquid?

Yes, you can use chicken broth or water as an alternative. Broth adds more depth to the overall flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

For extra heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences.

→ What can I serve alongside black eyed peas?

They pair well with rice, cornbread, or sautéed greens for a hearty, balanced meal.

→ Can I use canned black eyed peas instead of dried?

You can use canned peas for convenience. Skip the soaking, reduce the pressure cook time, and add peas at the end to avoid mushiness.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled black eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.