Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas for prosperity in the new year! This dish is hearty, warm and soulful, and it’s ready in only 40 minutes!
While it’s cooking, make a batch of rice, and dig into some hoppin’ john for dinner! For all those who don’t know, hoppin’ john is black eyed peas on top of rice. You can eat black eyed peas with or without rice, but whatever you do, just eat it!
The Instant Pot is a game changer for cooking beans. You should still soak the beans overnight, but the cooking process is so much quicker. The beans are perfectly cooked and packed with flavor in just minutes rather than hours.
If you haven’t tried our Instant Pot refried beans, they are better than any restaurant and another example of the wonders the Instant Pot can do on beans.
Ingredients for Black Eyed Peas
Okay, back to these black eyed peas, you’ll need a few ingredients that are going load these beans up with so much flavor. Here is your grocery list:
- Black Eyed Peas (dried or canned)
- Butter
- Oil
- Pork Shoulder or Ham Hock
- Bacon
- Onion
- Celery
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Chicken Stock
- Water
- Bay Leaves
- Collard Greens (optional)
The measurements of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
I mentioned this above, but if you are using dried beans, soak them in water in a large pot overnight. Here are the basic steps for cooking the beans:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Saute” and when it’s ready, add the oil and butter and then brown the pork on each side.
- Add all the ingredients except the chicken broth and bay leaves and cook.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high for 28 min with a natural release.
- Open the lid and remove the bay leaves and ham bone.
- Serve over rice for hoppin’ john or with some skillet cornbread or both (my preference)!
Why are Black Eyed Peas Eaten at New Years?
In the South, eating black eyed peas (or Hoppin John) on New Year’s Day is thought to bring prosperity for the new year. They are traditionally served with cabbage, collard or mustard greens and ham. Each component of the meal represents something: peas-prosperity, greens-money, ham-positive motion, and cornbread-gold. You can count me in for all those blessings!
How Long Can You Keep Black Eyed Peas In The Refrigerator?
Black eyed peas will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
What are Black Eyed Peas?
Although they are called peas, black eyed peas are actually beans. Black eyed peas are sometimes called cowpeas.
Are Black Eyed Peas Good For You?
Black eyed peas are highly nutritious and are a good staple food. Black eyed peas are rich in fiber and protein, which make them an excellent energy food.
Instant Pot Cheat Sheet
If you want a great resource for making other foods in the Instant Pot, check our our Instant Pot Cheat Sheet! It is a free printable that everyone should have!
Start your new year off with a bold and hearty plate of rice and beans! Instant Pot black eyed peas are a quick and simple dish for good luck in the new year!
More Instant Pot Side Dishes You Should Try:
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Black Eyed Peas, dry, or canned is ok
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- 6 oz. Pork Shoulder, diced in 1/2 “ pieces or 1 ham hock
- 4 Strips Bacon, thick cut back, cut into 1/2” pieces
- 1 Onion, yellow, minced
- 1 Stalk Celery, sliced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Balsamic Vinegar
- 4 Cups Chicken Stock
- 2 Cups Water
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 1 Cup Collard Greens, chopped in 2” pieces *optional
Instructions
- If using dried beans, place in a large pot with 4 inches of water and allow to soak overnight, then drain and rinse. This is essential!
- Heat a pressure cooker on the saute function. When it reads hot, add the oil and butter, then the pork. Cook until browned on each side, about 4-5 minutes. Add the bacon, onion, garlic, celery and seasonings, cooking for another 7 minutes.
- Add all remaining ingredients and close the lid, locking the valve to seal. Cancel saute and press the pressure cook manual button for 28 minutes.
- Once the cooking has ended allow for a 15 minute release.
- Open the lid and discard bay leaves and ham bone if you used a hock.
- Serve over rice for a hoppin john or with cornbread!
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
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