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Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe

a bowl of cooked black eyed peas

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5 from 1 review

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas are tender, perfectly cooked and really flavorful. They're easy and fast, no soaking needed. These black eyed peas have a saucy BBQ flavor pairs perfectly with pork, mac n cheese, slow cooked greens, and cornbread. 

Total Instant Pot Cooking Time: 15 minutes to reach pressure + 15 minute cooking time + 15 minute natural release = 45 minutes

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 1/4 cups water
  • 16 ounces dried black eyed peas (2 1/2 cups)
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Add oil to the Instant Pot and press the Saute button.
  2. Saute the onion until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. 
  3. Add the tomato paste and mix it into the onion. 
  4. Add the water and mix well.
  5. Add the remaining ingredients: black eyed peas, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper and brown sugar.
  6. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  7. Let the pressure release naturally (about 15 minutes). 
  8. Mix well. Add salt to taste. 

Notes

For this recipe, I suggest a cooking time of 15 minutes, natural release. I tested this recipe multiple times, and each time 15 minutes produced tender beans with a soft, but not mushy texture. For a slightly firmer texture, try cooking black-eyed peas for 12 minutes in a pressure cooker. For more information about cooking dried beans in your pressure cooker and avoiding hard beans, read the blog post section above titled "Expert Tips for Cooking Beans".

How to Cook Plain Black Eyed Peas

If you'd like plain black eyed peas (no sauce) you can simply combine 3 cups water + 1/4 teaspoon salt with every 1 cup of dried beans. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes at high pressure, natural release. Drain off any excess water that remains in the pot. For a salad, chill the black eyed peas and then add more salt as needed.  

This recipe was tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot.

Cooked black eyed peas will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave. On the stove top, reheat gently in a pot.