Black-Eyed Peas (Instant Pot)

Growing up in the South, black-eyed peas were a staple in my family’s home, especially on New Year’s Day. This humble legume not only brings remarkable flavor but also cradles a wealth of cultural significance. Touted for their good luck charm for the coming year, black-eyed peas are prized for their creamy texture and ability to absorb rich flavors. When prepared in an Instant Pot, they transform into a comforting dish that’s a sheer delight for any occasion.

Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas

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• Author: Lorena Kensley
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Contains Meat

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Description

A flavorful and effortless black-eyed peas recipe cooked in an Instant Pot, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 small Onion (chopped)
• 2 Celery ribs (diced)
• 1 Bell pepper (red or green)
• 2 small Bay leaves
• 2 sprigs Fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• 3 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Coarse salt (or 3/4 tsp table salt)
• 4 cloves Garlic (pressed or minced)
• 1 Jalapeño pepper (seeded and diced small)
• 3 1/2 cups Chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 tsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 slices Smoked beef bacon (chopped)
• 1 small Beef bone
• 1 1/4 cups Black-eyed peas (dry)
• 2 cups Collard greens (optional; chopped into 2-inch pieces)

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Instructions

1. In the Instant Pot, heat the olive oil using the sauté mode. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, smoked beef bacon, and the beef bone. Stir well.
4. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 25 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
5. If using collard greens, stir them in now and allow them to wilt in the residual heat for a few minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaves and beef bone before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor. Serve with cornbread for a classic Southern meal.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 25
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Southern

Why You’ll Love This Dish

What truly sets this black-eyed peas recipe apart is its perfect marriage of convenience and tradition. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed option for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish to wow your guests at a gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly, taking advantage of pantry staples, and is gentle on your schedule, thanks to the Instant Pot’s efficiency. Moreover, its richly seasoned profile makes it a hit with children and adults alike.

“These black-eyed peas are delicious! They were a huge hit at our family gathering yesterday. Everyone went back for seconds!” — Jamie W.

Step-by-Step Overview

Before diving into the ingredients, let’s set the stage for success. Here’s a quick glance at the process:

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 35 min

1. Sauté your aromatics until fragrant.
2. Add the legumes and flavors.
3. Pressure cook for a quick, hearty meal.
4. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Let’s dig into the components you’ll need to make this dish come alive.

Key Ingredients

To prepare your black-eyed peas, gather the following items:

• 1 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 small Onion (chopped)
• 2 Celery ribs (diced)
• 1 Bell pepper (red or green)
• 2 small Bay leaves
• 2 sprigs Fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• 3 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Coarse salt (or 3/4 tsp table salt)
• 4 cloves Garlic (pressed or minced)
• 1 Jalapeño pepper (seeded and diced small)
• 3 1/2 cups Chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 tsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 slices Smoked beef bacon (chopped)
• 1 small Beef bone
• 1 1/4 cups Black-eyed peas (dry)
• 2 cups Collard greens (optional; chopped into 2-inch pieces)

Feel free to substitute other greens or proteins, depending on your preferences!

Directions to Follow

1. Sauté: In the Instant Pot, heat the olive oil using the sauté mode. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Flavor: Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine: Add the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, smoked beef bacon, and the beef bone. Stir well.
4. Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 25 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
5. Greens (optional): If using collard greens, stir them in now and allow them to wilt in the residual heat for a few minutes.
6. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and beef bone before serving. Enjoy warm!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Here are some ideas to elevate your black-eyed peas experience:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve with cornbread for a classic Southern pairing.
• Accompany with pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for those who crave a little heat.

Consider plating in a rustic bowl and adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of paprika on top for eye-catching presentation.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To best preserve your leftovers:

• Cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for more extended storage—portion into freezer-friendly bags and use within 3 months for optimal freshness.

When reheating, ensure you warm them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Soaking peas: While not necessary for this recipe using the Instant Pot, soaking dried black-eyed peas for several hours can reduce cooking time if you are using a stovetop method.
• Adjust spice levels: Increase or decrease the jalapeño based on your family’s heat preference.
• Adding sweetness: A dash of sugar or a teaspoon of honey can balance any bitterness from the greens.

Creative Twists

Feel free to put your spin on this classic recipe:

• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon and beef bone.
• Spicy twist: Add diced smoked sausage for a more smoky flavor.
• International flair: Incorporate coconut milk for a tropical twist, or spices like cumin for an Indian-inspired variation.

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I use fresh black-eyed peas instead of dry?

A: Yes! If you have fresh peas, reduce the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes on high pressure.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A: The microwave works well, but for the best texture, reheat in a saucepan on medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Q: Can I substitute the bacon?

A: Absolutely! You can use turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option.

This flavorful black-eyed peas recipe cooked in an Instant Pot combines tradition with ease, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. Enjoy crafting your next family meal with this comforting bowl of goodness!