Instant Pot Southern Black Eyed Peas

Get out your instant pots! Make these tasty Instant Pot Southern Black Eyed Peas this fall season and serve with cornbread.

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to cook black eyed peas, then making them in an instant pot is a great option. Here are some of the benefits of making instant pot southern black eyed peas:

They’re quick and easy to make.

You can have a delicious meal on the table in no time at all.

They’re healthy.

Black eyed peas are a good source of fiber and protein, and they’re low in fat and calories.

They’re versatile.

You can add any number of seasonings or toppings to instant pot black eyed peas to create your own unique dish.

So why not give instant pot southern black eyed peas a try? You’ll be glad you did!

If you have an instant pot and you’re wanting to make black eyed peas to serve as a side dish or to serve and eat for good luck for the new year, then this recipe is perfect to make!

If you don’t have an instant pot, no worries. You can follow the traditional method below to make a pot of delicious black eyed peas. Either way, I’m sure you’ll love these!

Do black eyed peas have to be soaked before cooking?

When it comes to beans, there are a lot of different schools of thought on whether or not you should soak them before cooking.

Soaking beans can help to reduce the cook time, and also make them easier to digest.

However, it’s not always necessary – especially if you’re using an instant pot.

Black eyed peas are a southern staple, and they’re often cooked in the instant pot. While you can soak the peas beforehand if you want, it’s not absolutely necessary.

The instant pot will do a great job of cooking them through, even if they’re dry.

If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like soaking the peas, go ahead and cook them without soaking first.

Your black eyed peas will still be delicious!

What can you pair with Instant Pot Southern Black Eyed Peas?

There are a few things that go so well with instant pot southern black eyed peas.

One is some form of cornbread, whether it’s traditional cornbread or a modern twist like cornbread muffins.

Another great pairing is rice, which can help to soak up all of the delicious flavors of the dish.

Finally, greens like collard greens or kale are always a welcome addition, providing both flavor and nutrients.

So whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s sure to be a perfect accompaniment to your instant pot southern black eyed peas.

Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

Slow Cooker Collard Greens

What meat goes well with black eyed peas?

When it comes to what meat pairs well with black eyed peas, there are a few key options that come to mind.

First, ham is always a classic choice that goes well with black eyed peas.

Another option is bacon, which can add a nice smoky flavor to the dish.

Finally, sausage is also a great option for pairing with black eyed peas.

Whichever meat you choose, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the dish.

What do black eyed peas symbolize?

When it comes to New Year’s traditions, there are a lot of different ways that people choose to ring in the new year. For some, it’s all about parties and champagne. Others opt for a more low-key approach, spending time with family and friends.

But no matter how you celebrate, there’s one tradition that is shared by many cultures around the world: eating lucky foods that are said to bring good fortune in the new year.

One of the most popular lucky foods is black eyed peas. These little legumes are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day in order to symbolize good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.

There are a few different theories about why black eyed peas are considered lucky. One is that they resemble coins, which symbolize wealth and prosperity. Another is that they are traditionally eaten in pairs, which represent two of the most important things in life: health and happiness.

Whatever the reason, black eyed peas are a delicious way to start off the new year on a lucky note!

Instant Pot Southern Black Eyed Peas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. dried Blackeyed Peas (sorted and rinsed)
• 1-2 ham hocks
• 4 slices of bacon (¼” strips)  
• 1 onion (small diced ¼”) 
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp. white pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 cups chicken stock

Directions:

Traditional Method: (keep reading below for the Instant Pot method.)

Rinse the beans and remove any stones; cover beans with cool water by about 2 inches. Allow to soak overnight.

a. Quick Soak Method: Place beans in a large pot and cover with 2 inches of cool water; bring to boil, allow to boil for 2 minutes.

b. Remove from heat and cover for 1 hour; drain and set aside.

In the same large pot render the bacon strips over med-low heat until crispy. Remove from the pan. Do not rush the process by using high heat or beans will be bitter.

Increase temperature to medium and in the bacon grease, sweat the onion until translucent; add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute.

Add remaining ingredients including the crispy bacon and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until beans are tender. (Add additional water if needed to keep beans covered)

Remove and discard ham hocks and bay leaves. If desired, remove meat from the bones; chop and return to beans.

Instant-Pot Method:

There is no need to soak the beans when using the Instant-pot, just rinse them and remove any stones.

Follow instructions above using sauté setting to render bacon and sweat onions until translucent. Add garlic and red pepper flakes for an additional minute.

Press Cancel to stop sauté. Place the lid on the Instant-pot and lock into place. Cook on high pressure mode for 15 minutes. 

When the timer goes off, allow it to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes.

Vent any remaining steam by moving the vent to “Venting”, be sure to cover your hand with a towel or hot pad to avoid being burned by the steam.

Carefully remove the lid; remove ham hock and bay leaves. If desired, remove meat from the bones; chop and return to beans. Season and adjust with salt and pepper.

Stir beans to fluff them up; season and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.