Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas

Discover the magic of perfectly cooked beans in a fraction of the time with our Instant Pot black-eyed peas recipe. Leveraging the magic of the Instant Pot, our Test Kitchen-approved recipe is a 30-minute wonder that transforms dried beans into a hearty dish that shines at holiday potlucks and with southern-themed meals.

Whether you’re whipping up these black-eyed peas for a quick weeknight dinner or making Hoppin’ John as part of your annual New Year’s Day tradition, the Instant Pot makes cooking beans a breeze. What’s more, our recipe is endlessly customizable—leave out the ham for a plant-based version, try stirring in fresh spinach for added nutrition or toss in some andouille sausage for a Cajun-inspired side that complements a spicy jambalaya.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas

• Dried black-eyed peas: A 16-ounce package of dried black-eyed peas forms the base of this Instant Pot recipe.
• Water: The water creates a flavorful broth and ensures the black-eyed peas cook evenly. For added flavor, feel free to substitute low-sodium chicken broth.
• Ham: A cup of cubed, fully cooked ham adds a smoky flavor and meaty texture to this Instant Pot black-eyed peas recipe.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion provides a sweet flavor that complements the peas perfectly.
• Garlic: Minced garlic cloves enhance the overall taste with their aromatic qualities, adding depth to the beans.
• Seasoned salt: The seasoned salt elevates the flavors of all the other ingredients in this recipe. You can adjust this to taste and even start with your own seasoned salt blend.
• Black pepper: A bit of black pepper adds subtle heat and balances the salty flavor.
• Green onions (optional): While not a recipe requirement, thinly sliced green onions provide a fresh garnish that contrasts beautifully with the cooked beans.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the black-eyed peas

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Rinse and sort the dried black-eyed peas to remove any debris or discolored peas. Transfer the cleaned peas to a 6-quart electric pressure cooker.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients

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Add the water, cubed ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, seasoned salt and pepper to the pressure cooker with the peas. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Editor’s Tip: Give your beans even more flavor by substituting chicken broth for the water.

Step 3: Pressure-cook the peas

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Lock the lid and close the pressure-release valve. Set the Instant Pot to pressure-cook on high for 18 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Serve the black-eyed peas

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Serve the black-eyed peas with a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions for a crisp contrast to the creamy peas.

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Instant Pot Black-Eyed Pea Variations

• Make a vegetarian version: For a meat-free version, omit the ham and use a tablespoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve the smoky flavor originally imparted by the ham. You can also give these Instant Pot black-eyed peas more flavor by swapping in homemade vegetable broth for the water.
• Add more meat: Toss in some chopped andouille sausage to give these Instant Pot black-eyed peas even more flavor and smokiness.
• Amp up the spice: Add a diced jalapeno or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to give the black-eyed peas some heat.
• Infuse with herbs: Before cooking, add a bay leaf and a sprig of fresh thyme to infuse the peas with an herbal note. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings to add depth and flavor to the finished beans. Try a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder and dried sage, or a tablespoon of our southwestern seasoning blend.

How to Store Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas

Allow the black-eyed peas to cool completely in the Instant Pot before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days.

Can you freeze Instant Pot black-eyed peas?

Yes! Let the peas cool completely before storing them in freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep for up to three months. To use them, partially thaw them in the fridge overnight. Heat them through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary.

Can you make black-eyed peas in an Instant Pot ahead of time?

Absolutely—this is a great make-ahead dish, as the flavors improve after a day or two. When you’re ready to serve them, reheat the black-eyed peas in the microwave or in the Instant Pot using the steam function.

Instant Pot Black-Eyed Pea Tips

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Do you need to soak the black-eyed peas before cooking?

Unlike some other dried beans, thin-skinned beans like black-eyed peas don’t need to soak when using an Instant Pot, making them the perfect choice for last-minute dinners. However, if you do choose to soak the beans, reduce the cooking time to 12 to 15 minutes.

Can you use canned black-eyed peas to make Instant Pot black-eyed peas?

While dried peas are recommended for this recipe, you can use canned peas in a pinch—just know the texture of the final dish may be softer than if you use dried peas. Reduce the cooking time to five minutes, and use only 1 cup of liquid.

Can you add vegetables to Instant Pot black-eyed peas?

Diced carrots, celery or bell peppers are all great additions to this black-eyed peas recipe in the Instant Pot, giving it extra nutrition and flavor. For leafy greens like spinach or kale, stir them in after cooking—the residual heat will wilt them.

What sides go well with Instant Pot black-eyed peas?

This dish can be served as part of a hearty southern-inspired spread consisting of collard greens, cheddar cornbread, barbecue meats, jambalaya and dirty rice.