Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas (Quick Cook)

Why Make Black Eyed Peas in the Instant Pot?

Black eyed peas are incredibly nutritious and naturally flavorful, but traditional cooking methods can take 1–2 hours of simmering on the stove. The Instant Pot eliminates this long wait while still delivering a beautifully textured dish loaded with warm, comforting flavor.

Here’s why this Instant Pot method is a game changer:

• No soaking required: The pressure cooking process softens dried peas quickly.

• Fast cooking time: Ready in 30–40 minutes, including pressure build-up.

• Consistent results: The peas cook evenly every time—no babysitting the pot or worrying about burning.

• Flavor absorption: Pressure cooking intensifies seasoning and helps peas soak up every bit of broth.

• Perfect texture: Creamy inside, tender outside—just right for soups, stews, or bowls.

• Effortless prep: Ideal for weeknights, meal prepping, or cooking when time is tight.

This Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe avoids pork, bacon, and any alcohol-based ingredients, instead relying on fresh aromatics, vegetable broth, and spices to build a deep, satisfying flavor profile.

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Ingredients for Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Black Eyed Peas

Use dry black eyed peas—no soaking needed. This gives the best texture and helps them absorb the broth beautifully.

Aromatics and Vegetables

These create the flavorful base:

• Onion

• Celery

• Carrots

• Bell pepper (optional but adds sweetness and depth)

• Garlic

Seasonings and Herbs

A blend of simple spices creates a warm, savory broth:

• Smoked paprika

• Thyme

• Black pepper

• Salt

• Bay leaf

• Cayenne (optional for heat)

• Parsley or green onions for garnish

Liquid

Use vegetable broth or chicken broth (alcohol-free and pork-free). Water works too, but broth gives more flavor.

Optional Protein Add-Ins (No Pork)

If you want added richness, you can include:

• Smoked turkey

• Chicken breast or thighs

• Plant-based sausage

These all complement the peas without adding pork products.

Healthy Fat

A bit of olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics.

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How to Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add oil, then stir in onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened. Add bell pepper and garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.

This quick sauté step builds a deep foundation of flavor.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toasting the spices briefly helps them bloom and enhances their aroma.

Step 3: Add Peas and Liquid

Pour in the dried black eyed peas. Add the broth and bay leaf. Stir everything together.

If using smoked turkey or chicken, add it now.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to:

• High Pressure for 15–20 minutes, depending on your preferred texture.

Allow the cooker to natural release for 10 minutes, then switch to quick release.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

If the peas seem too thick, add more broth. If too thin, switch the pot back to Sauté and simmer for 5–10 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add fresh parsley or green onions before serving.

Serve warm as a wholesome and comforting dish.

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Texture Options

The Instant Pot makes it easy to customize the final texture:

For firmer peas:

Reduce cook time to 12–14 minutes.

For creamier peas:

Cook for 18–20 minutes, then mash some peas gently in the pot.

For soup-like consistency:

Add extra broth or water during cooking.

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Flavor-Boosting Tips

Use Smoked Paprika

This spice delivers a smoky, savory note without relying on pork.

Add Heat Gradually

Cayenne or red pepper flakes can increase warmth—adjust slowly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Sauté First

This extra step builds richer flavor compared to dumping everything in at once.

Use Broth Instead of Water

Helps create a deeply flavorful base that transforms the peas from simple to sensational.

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Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot black eyed peas can be enjoyed in many ways:

Classic Pairings

• White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice

• Cornbread or skillet cornbread

• Collard greens, mustard greens, or kale

• Roasted vegetables

• Mashed potatoes

As a Main Course

Serve a large bowl with crusty bread and a side of greens.

As a Side Dish

Pair with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or plant-based protein.

In a Bowl Meal

Layer rice, peas, greens, and avocado for a nutrient-packed dish.

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Meal Prep and Storage

Refrigeration

Store peas in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor gets even better the next day.

Freezing

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.

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Variations and Customizations

Spicy Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Add:

• Red pepper flakes

• Extra cayenne

• Diced jalapeños

• Cajun seasoning

Herb-Forward Version

Add fresh herbs like:

• Basil

• Oregano

• Rosemary

Tomato-Infused

Add a can of diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a tangy, richer broth.

Veggie-Packed Version

Mix in:

• Spinach

• Kale

• Sweet potatoes

• Zucchini

• Tomatoes

Creamy Black Eyed Peas

Mash a spoonful of peas into the pot or stir in a bit of coconut milk for creaminess.

High-Protein Version

Add:

• Shredded chicken

• Smoked turkey

• Plant-based sausage

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Why This Recipe Works Without Pork or Alcohol

Traditional black eyed peas often rely on pork-based ingredients for flavor. This version achieves a similar depth without any pork or alcohol by using:

• Smoked paprika for smokiness

• Sautéed vegetables for umami

• Slow pressure cooking for richness

• Broth for savory body

• Herbs for aromatics

The result is lighter, cleaner, and perfect for anyone avoiding pork or alcohol while still delivering the comforting, classic flavor of Southern-inspired black eyed peas.

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Nutrition Benefits

Black eyed peas are packed with:

• Plant-based protein

• Fiber for digestion

• Potassium

• Folate

• Iron

• Slow-digesting carbohydrates

This makes the dish ideal for balanced meals, long-lasting energy, and healthy weeknight cooking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak the black eyed peas first?

No. The Instant Pot softens them quickly. That’s one of the biggest benefits of this recipe.

How long should I cook them in the Instant Pot?

Typically 15–20 minutes on high pressure, plus 10 minutes natural release.

Can I use canned black eyed peas?

No, not for this recipe. Canned peas will turn mushy under pressure.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes—simply use vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins.

Can I add meat if I want to?

Yes, but stick to options like smoked turkey or chicken since the recipe avoids pork.

What if my peas come out too watery?

Simmer on Sauté mode uncovered to thicken.

What if they’re too thick?

Add a splash of broth or water until desired consistency is reached.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as your Instant Pot isn’t filled beyond the maximum fill line.

Are Instant Pot black eyed peas good for meal prep?

Absolutely—they reheat beautifully and maintain great texture.

Do they freeze well?

Yes. Freeze in portioned containers for easy meals later on.

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Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas is one of the simplest, quickest, and most satisfying comfort foods you can make. With no soaking required and no pork or alcohol, this version is wholesome, accessible, and bursting with natural flavor. The peas turn perfectly tender and creamy in a savory, aromatic broth that tastes like it simmered for hours—even though it’s ready in a fraction of the time.

Whether you want a quick weeknight meal, need a healthy prep-ahead option, or crave a warm bowl of comfort on a busy day, this Instant Pot recipe will deliver every time. Serve it with rice, greens, cornbread, or simply enjoy it on its own—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is.

Warm, nourishing, and incredibly fast to make, this dish might just become one of your go-to Instant Pot favorites. Enjoy every bowl!