These instant pot black eyed peas are the perfect time saver for this classic southern dish. All you need is a bag of black eyed peas, a smoked ham hock, some stock and a few spices. In under an hour, you'll have tender, melt in your mouth southern black eyed peas that seem like they took all day.
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Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Although most people eat black eyed peas during New Years, we grew up eating them regularly.
My mom would make them all the time.
She'd start by soaking them overnight with baking soda.
Why baking soda? Well it's supposed to make the beans have a less gassy effect on you which is pretty hilarious.
Once the beans were done soaking, she'd boil a smoked ham hock in water with seasonings and then add the beans and let them simmer all day.
We'd eat them with cornbread, spooned over rice or just straight out of the bowl with a scoop of chow chow or a few splashes of pepper vinegar.
These days, still love black eye peas but I can never remember to soak my beans so I've turned the Instant Pot to save me.
Not only does it cut the time down dramatically, but the end result tastes just like my mama's!
They're tender, salty, smoky and they remind me of home.
Definitely a win-win for me and my family.
And if you're looking for some more Southern sides to enjoy them with, try this classic white cheddar mac and cheese or my Grandma's Corn Pudding.
This cheesy green bean casserole is always a hit and so is this jiffy cornbread stuffing recipe!
How to make Black Eyed Peas in the Instant Pot
Making black eyed peas in the Instant Pot is not only delicious but it's also super easy!
To begin, simply add 1 lb of rinsed and strained black eyed peas to your Instant Pot.
Next add 1 box of chicken stock and 2 cups of water.
Then add 1 smoked ham hock, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Put the lid on the Instant Pot and close the pressure valve.
Press the pressure cook button. It should automatically go to high heat but if it doesn't, just click the button two more times until the high heat option is lit up.
Turn the timer to 15 minutes and let the beans cook in the Instant Pot.
Once the beans are done, the machine will beep.
At this point, let it natural release for at least 20 minutes.
Once the time is up, carefully flip the steam valve to release - being careful not to burn yourself.
Remove the lid and stir in .5 teaspoon salt.
Let the beans cool for a little bit then enjoy!
Don't have Chicken Stock?
If you don't have chicken stock - don't worry about it!
Instead of using stock, just use water and some sort of bouillon and omit the salt.
Although I recommend chicken stock, you could use pork, beef or vegetable broth.
And if you don't have any liquid stock, you can use bouillon, too.
For 6 cups of water, you'll either use 2 tablespoon of bouillon paste or granules or 6 cubes.
After you add that, just continue the recipe as normal.
And if you'd like to save this recipe for later, pin it below!
Recipe:
Recipe
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb black eyed peas rinsed and sorted
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 32 oz box of chicken stock or bone broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon salt divided
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine black eyed peas, smoked ham hock, chicken stock, water, sugar, salt and red pepper flakes in your instant pot.
- Put the lid on the instant pot and make sure the valve is closed.
- Press the pressure cook button (making sure that it’s on high pressure) and adjust to 15 minutes. Let it cook and release naturally for at least 20 minutes.
- Once the beans are done, remove the lid and stir in .5 teaspoon salt.
- Let cool for about 10-20 minutes before enjoying!
