Black eyed peas are a nutritious, budget-friendly legume that can be used in soups, salads, side dishes, and Southern-inspired meals. Cooking them in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest ways to achieve tender, flavorful peas without the long soaking and simmering times required by traditional stovetop methods.
This simple Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe uses just a few ingredients and delivers perfectly cooked peas every time. It’s a convenient recipe for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or adding a healthy source of protein and fiber to your meals.
1. How to Cook Black Eyed Peas in Instant Pot (Yield: 6 Servings)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black eyed peas
- 1½ cups water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
Begin by sorting through the dried black eyed peas and removing any small stones, damaged peas, or debris that may be present.
Place the peas in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Drain well.
Add the rinsed black eyed peas to the Instant Pot insert. Pour in the water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth. If desired, add the salt at this stage.
Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and set the cooking time to 15 minutes at high pressure.
The Instant Pot will take several minutes to build pressure before the cooking timer begins counting down.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Natural release helps the peas finish cooking gently and improves their texture.
After 10 minutes, carefully move the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure.
When the float valve drops, carefully remove the lid.
Stir the black eyed peas and check their texture. They should be tender but still hold their shape. If you prefer softer peas, you can return the lid and cook them for an additional 2 to 3 minutes under high pressure.
If there is excess liquid remaining, use the Sauté function and simmer for a few minutes until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately as a side dish, add to soups and stews, or store for later use in your favorite recipes.
2. Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Use fresh dried black eyed peas whenever possible. Older beans can take longer to cook and may not soften evenly, even under pressure.
Rinse and sort the peas carefully before cooking. Small stones and damaged peas occasionally make their way into packaged legumes and can affect the final dish.
Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release before venting. Releasing the pressure too quickly can sometimes cause the peas to split or become unevenly cooked.
If using broth instead of water, reduce or delay the added salt until after cooking. Some broths contain significant sodium, and it’s easier to adjust seasoning afterward.
Avoid overfilling the Instant Pot when doubling or tripling the recipe. Beans expand during cooking and need room for proper pressure circulation.
For meal prep, slightly undercook the peas if they will be reheated later in soups or casseroles. This helps prevent them from becoming overly soft.
If you prefer very soft black eyed peas for dips or purees, add 3 to 5 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time rather than increasing the natural release time.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak black eyed peas before cooking them in the Instant Pot?
No. One of the biggest advantages of the Instant Pot is that black eyed peas can be cooked directly from their dried state without soaking.
Can I use broth instead of water?
Yes. Chicken broth or vegetable broth adds extra flavor and works very well in this recipe.
How long do cooked black eyed peas last in the refrigerator?
Store cooked black eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze cooked black eyed peas?
Yes. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with black eyed peas?
Black eyed peas pair well with rice, cornbread, roasted vegetables, smoked meats, greens, soups, and salads.
4. Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Potassium | 240mg |
| Iron | 1.8mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used and serving sizes.
Cooking black eyed peas in the Instant Pot is a simple and reliable method that delivers tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time required by traditional cooking methods. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a versatile and nutritious dish ready to enjoy.
Once you learn this easy technique, black eyed peas can become a regular part of your meal rotation. They’re affordable, satisfying, and perfect for everything from quick side dishes to hearty main meals.
