30-Minute Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
A hearty Southern comfort dish featuring tender black-eyed peas cooked with smoky pork hock and diced ham in savory chicken broth. The Instant Pot makes quick work of traditionally slow-cooked peas, delivering rich, soul-warming flavors in just 15 minutes of pressure cooking. Perfect for New Year's Day celebrations or any time you crave authentic Southern comfort food. The optional Cajun seasoning adds a gentle spice that complements the smoky meat beautifully. Serve over rice with cornbread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon bacon drippingsvegetable oil1:1Medium
Use 1 tablespoon vegetable oil instead
- 2 cups onion, chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 1 medium pork hocksmoked turkey leg1:1High
Provides similar smoky flavor
- 1 cup smoked ham, dicedsmoked turkey1:1High
Diced smoked turkey works well
- ½ pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked through
- 1 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- ¼ teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Melt bacon drippings using sauté function
- 2
Add onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook for 2 minutes
- 3
Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil
- 4
Add pork hock, chopped ham and black-eyed peas along with salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning
- 5
Seal and set on high for 15 minutes
- 6
Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure
- 7
If further thickening is desired, cancel and set to sauté, stirring often until you reach desired consistency
- 8
Pull any meat off the pork hock and return to peas
- 9
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
- 10
Serve over hot steamed rice
Tips
Natural pressure release is crucial for tender peas - don't rush this step or they may be mushy.
Pick through dried peas carefully to remove any stones or damaged peas before cooking.
Save any leftover ham bone or pork scraps to add even more smoky flavor to the pot.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Freezes well up to 3 months.
Can be made 1-2 days ahead. Flavors improve overnight. Reheat gently.
Traditionally served over rice with cornbread. Popular for New Year's Day meals.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the natural pressure release or peas may become mushy
Rinse and pick through dried peas to avoid cooking with stones
Substitutions
Provides similar smoky flavor
Diced smoked turkey works well
FAQ
Can I use fresh or frozen black-eyed peas instead?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 8-10 minutes for fresh and 12 minutes for frozen. No need to thaw frozen peas first.
What if I don't have a pork hock?
Use a ham bone, smoked turkey leg, or increase the diced ham. The key is having some smoky meat for flavor.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight.