This Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas recipe is so easy to make. The peas are infused with bold flavor and easy to find ingredients. They are perfect to bring in the New Year’s or to enjoy anytime of the year.
This instant pot black eyed peas stew recipe is a hearty, vegan, delicious, fuss-free vegetarian stew that’s ready to be served on New Year’s Day for your loved ones to enjoy.
Black eye peas are very common in Haitian Food cuisine. In fact, we call them Pigeon peas. This recipe is not only succulent, it also has a slight hint of heat that marries the flavors well at the end.
In the United States, black-eyed peas are best known for good luck and prosperity. However, in Haiti, it is often served throughout the year.
Instant Pot Black Eye Peas Recipe
Despite its name, black eye peas or black eyed peas are not actual peas. They are beans and are also legumes.
Aside from nourishing our bodies and being filled with nutrients, black eyed peas also serve some benefits to the soil.
They help with nitrogen, which helps to improve the quality of the dirt and add nutrient back to the soil as the air hits it.
Black eyed peas were brought to the West Indies by enslaved West Africans, hence the reason why in is part of Haitian cuisine.
The vegetable was originally used as food for cows and other livestock, but today, they have made a turn to becoming one of our loved vegetables.
In the United States, black eyed peas are often served with collard greens; especially in the South. The vegetables are considered good luck. Meaning, the peas represents coins and the greens represent paper money.
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Ingredients
- 4 tbsp. Olive Oil
- ½ cup diced onions
- 4 cloves garlic, minced; or 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
- 2 Large Carrots, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper; any color will work
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 tbsp. white cooking wine
- 6 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 3 cups black eyed peas; washed
- 2 tsp. Kosher salt
- 1 tsp. Ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp. Ground cloves
- 1 Tsp. Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional; or you can add red pepper flakes)
- 6 Cups vegetable broth; more if needed
- 3-5 thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp. Paprika
- ½ tsp. Cumin
- Cooked White rice or brown rice, for serving
Cooking Instructions
We do not believe in the superstition relating to black eye peas and the New Years, but because we enjoy delicious foods as this, it’s only right this instant pot black eye peas recipe is shared with you.
The exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card. In the meantime, here is a step-by-step guide to make this recipe perfectly each time.
The flavor is amazing. And best of all, you can easily turn this recipe into a Hoppin’ John recipe by serving it with white rice.
First, start with gathering the ingredients. Dice, chopped, and slice the ingredients.
In the instant pot, sauté the onions, celery, herbs, bell pepper, and carrots.
Add the spices and tomato paste, spices, and liquid.
Cover with the lid, seal, and cook for 40 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy with Instant Pot cornbread or rice.
What’s Hoppin’ John?
Hoppin’ John is a basically black eyed peas stew served with white rice. This is a classic Southern dish to celebrate New Year’s.
As mentioned above, some believe that the instant pot black-eyed peas are for good fortune in the coming year.
No one knows where the name of this famous dish came from.
Some parts of the world, like Haiti, do not even call it Hoppin’ John; they are simply black-eyed peas and rice.
Just like many delicious dishes, there are so many different versions to this dish.
To soak the beans, remove the beans from the package and rinse it under cold water.
Place the beans in a large bowl and add enough water to cover the beans by at least 4 inches. Allow them to soak overnight.
When ready to cook, sauté the ingredients, then add the beans, along with the water. Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Because we are making this pigeon peas recipe stew in the instant pot, it is not necessary to soak the beans first, as the pressure from the instant pot will cook the beans in a little over 30 minutes.
If you choose to soak the beans that’s perfectly fine. Although it doesn’t hurt, but soaking the beans will help loosen the beans a little, which in turn will make it a little easier to cook if preparing this stew over the stove.
Black eyed peas contain a high volume of fiber and protein.
No. You can soak black eyed peas for up to 4 days. Remember to change the water and rinsing out the peas before adding in fresh water. This will also alleviate gassiness that beans sometimes cause.
You can cook black eyed peas in the instant pot for 30 minutes if presoaked, or 45 minutes without soaking first. Or, cook them over the stove for 1 to 1 and a half hours.
Haitian Food Recipes To Pair With This Dish
This black eye peas instant pot dish recipe is tasty no matter what, but I like it best with some of these flavorful side dishes.
Enjoy the stew on its own, or pair it with cornbread, air fryer milk buns, or serve with a side of this Instant Pot Collard Greens.
Did you make this instant pot black eye peas recipe? Tag me on Instagram or Facebook and please give it a star rating below!
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Pressure Cooker Black Eye Peas Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp. Olive Oil
- ½ cup diced onions
- 4 cloves garlic minced; or 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
- 2 Large Carrots chopped
- 1 large bell pepper; any color will work
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 tbsp. white cooking wine
- 6 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 3 cups black eyed peas; washed
- 2 tsp. Kosher salt
- 1 tsp. Ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp. Ground cloves
- 1 Tsp. Cayenne pepper to taste (optional; or you can add red pepper flakes)
- 6 Cups vegetable broth; more if needed
- 3-5 thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp. Paprika
- ½ tsp. Cumin
- Cooked White Rice
Instructions
Black Eye Peas Instant Pot
- Chop, dice, or cut the celery, onions, carrots, bell pepper, and garlic. Set aside. In the instant pot, click on the saute button. Set the timer for 30 minutes. Add the oil. Once heated, add the chopped, slice, dice, and or cut vegetables Stir well and cook for 1 minute. Then add the spices: salt, black pepper, ground cloves, parsley, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper(optional). Mix well. Add the peas then add the tomato paste. Mix well. Add the broth, thyme, and white cooking wine. Stir to combine. Cover the instant pot with a lid and turn the knob to sealing.
- Press cancel, then press the pressure cook button. Adjust the time to 40 minutes. Be sure that the pressure is on high. When complete, allow natural release for 10 minutes. Remove the cover and serve over rice.
Stovetop Black Eye Peas (One Pot Dish) Version
- Soak the beans overnight. Chop, dice, or cut the celery, onions, carrots, green onions, and garlic. Set aside. In a large pan over medium heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the vegetables and herbs. Toss to combine. Drain the beans, then add the beans to the vegetables. Mix well. Next, cover the beans with 4 inches of water. Simmer, covered half-way, for about 1 hour. Checking the beans after 45 minutes to see if they are tender and add more water as necessary to keep them covered. Once the beans are fully tender, add in the tomato paste, spices – season to taste, and add in the rice vinegar. Mix well. Let simmper for additional 10 minutes, covered. Then serve warm as a side or serve with white rice to create a Hoppin' John dish.
Erin says
This was my first try at making black-eyed peas in the Instant Pot and they turned out so well! The beans are creamy and the flavors are delicious. We are going to pair it with your IP Collards and some homemade cornbread.
Mirlene says
Thank you so much. That sounds AMAZING! Happy New Year to you and your family.
Brenda says
Never knew that black eyed peas got such a beautiful name as pigeon peas! I have been making them in my slow cooker but would love to try out this instant pot version!!
Mirlene says
Thank you so much Brenda!
Toni says
This is really ahhmazing!! Love how comforting it is!
Mirlene says
Thank you Toni!
Beth says
I can’t wait to give this a try! So excited to try this out in my new instant pot!
Mirlene says
I hope you enjoy your Instant Pot!
Jen says
I’m going to start this tradition for the new year! Sounds like such a hearty dish for the family.
Mirlene says
It is! Thank you 🙂
Jen says
Not just for new years! This recipe has tons of flavor, will be making it again for WFH lunches. So comforting and warm.
Mirlene says
I am so glad to hear that Jen, thank you so very much!
Elizabeth says
Looking forward to marry these flavors for New Year. So glad you brought the instant pot version to make our life simple.
Mirlene says
So glad to hear that Elizabeth. Thank you!
Monica says
This is perfect for New Year’s and couldn’t be even more simple to turn this into a delicious Hoppin’ John Recipe. Tons of bold flavors.