Tiffany Haney
Black-eyed peas are a tasty and versatile ingredient, commonly used in soups and stews, and served with greens, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted squash. They are also believed to bring good luck and financial prosperity when eaten on New Year's Day. Cooking black-eyed peas in an Instapot is a quick and easy way to prepare them, with no need for pre-soaking. Simply add the dried beans, water or broth, and your choice of aromatics and seasonings, such as garlic, bacon, or ham hock, and let the pressure cooker do the work. With this convenient method, you can have delicious and tender black-eyed peas ready in under an hour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Black-eyed peas, water or broth, oil, bacon, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked meat (e.g. ham hock), Cajun seasoning, bay leaves |
| Equipment | Instant Pot or pressure cooker |
| Preparation | Wash and sort dried black-eyed peas, discarding any damaged peas. No soaking is required. |
| Cooking Time | Around 35 minutes on high pressure. |
| Cooking Instructions | Heat oil in the Instant Pot on Sauté mode. Add aromatics (onion, garlic, salt) and meat (bacon or ham hock) and sauté until onion softens. Add black-eyed peas, water or broth, and seasonings (salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves). Pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes for desired firmness. |
| Serving Suggestions | Collard greens, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted squash |
| Storage | Refrigerate for a few days or freeze for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
No need to soak
Cooking black-eyed peas in an Instapot is a quick and easy process that does not require any pre-soaking. The entire process takes less than an hour, including the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure and release it naturally.
To start, heat some olive oil or regular cooking oil in the Instapot using the sauté function. Once the oil is hot, add a diced onion and some minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion softens. You can also add some spices like bay leaf, Creole seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
Next, add the dry black-eyed peas, water or broth, and a smoked ham hock or leftover ham bone to the pot. You can also add chicken stock instead of water or broth for extra flavor. If desired, add a teaspoon of salt to the pot at this stage.
Secure the lid on the pot and set the valve to seal. Pressure cook the black-eyed peas on high pressure for 8-15 minutes, depending on your desired texture. Allow the pressure to release naturally, and the residual heat will continue to cook the beans until they are fully tender.
If you have the time and want a thicker broth, you can simmer the peas for an additional 20 minutes after pressure cooking. Simply set the Instapot to Sauté mode at a low temperature and leave the lid off to allow the broth to evaporate. Stir the peas occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
And that's it! You now have a hearty and flavorful side dish that can be enjoyed on its own or added to soups, stews, salads, or bean salads.
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Aromatics and seasoning
Aromatics
Aromatics form the flavour base of your dish. Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in your Insta Pot on the sauté setting. You can use any oil of your choice, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or even bacon grease if you're feeling indulgent. Heat the oil until it starts to shimmer, indicating that it's hot enough.
Next, add your choice of aromatics. The most commonly used aromatics for black-eyed peas are onions and garlic. Dice up one onion and mince a couple of garlic cloves. You can also add other aromatics like celery, bell peppers, or carrots if you wish. Sauté these aromatics in the hot oil until the onions are softened and translucent, which should take around 5 minutes.
Seasoning
Seasoning is key to elevating the flavour of your black-eyed peas. Start by adding salt, a crucial seasoning that enhances the overall flavour of the dish. Sprinkle in about half a teaspoon of salt while sautéing your aromatics. You can adjust this amount to your taste preferences.
Additionally, consider adding pepper to your black-eyed peas for a touch of spice and warmth. Ground black pepper or red pepper flakes can be excellent additions. You can also incorporate smoked meats like bacon or ham hock for a smoky, savoury flavour. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using liquid smoke or smoked paprika to achieve a similar smoky flavour.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with other seasonings and spices. Some people like to add Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce to their black-eyed peas. You can also play around with different types of broth, such as vegetable broth or low-sodium chicken broth, to add depth of flavour to your dish. Remember, the beauty of cooking is in the creativity and personal touch, so feel free to adjust and customise the seasonings to your liking.
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Pressure cooking times
If you want thicker pea broth, you can simmer the peas for 20 minutes after pressure cooking. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, adjusted to low, and leave the lid off to let the broth evaporate. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Some recipes suggest pressure cooking black-eyed peas for 15 minutes at high pressure, while others recommend 35 minutes. However, it is important to note that canned or frozen black-eyed peas will turn mushy when cooked in the Instant Pot, so it is recommended to use dried peas.
Black-eyed peas are usually cooked with some kind of pork, such as bacon or ham hock, for flavor. They also go well with collard greens, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted squash, and cornbread.
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Thickening the broth
Firstly, set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode, adjusting it to a low temperature. This is a crucial step as it allows you to control the evaporation process without burning the peas. Next, set the timer for 20 minutes. Leaving the lid off is essential to allow the broth to reduce and thicken.
During this 20-minute simmer, it is important to keep an eye on the pot and stir the peas occasionally. This prevents the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking. The stirring action also helps distribute the heat, preventing the broth from reducing too quickly and burning.
Adjusting the consistency to your preference is the key focus of this step. By simmering the broth, you are reducing the liquid content and creating a thicker, more flavourful base. The 20-minute simmering time is a guideline, and you can adjust it according to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner broth, you can reduce the simmering time, and for a thicker stew-like consistency, you can extend the cooking time.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your black-eyed peas in an airtight container, your delicious dish will last in the refrigerator for a few days and can be frozen for up to 6 months. It's always a good idea to make extra beans, so you have leftovers to freeze and use in other recipes. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen black-eyed peas, simply pop them in the microwave for around 5 minutes and enjoy!
Reheating your black-eyed peas is simple. You can either choose to reheat them in a pot on the stove over medium heat or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to soak them. Simply season them with your desired ingredients and add them to the Insta Pot.
You can use water or broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Some recipes also include bacon, garlic, and onions.
Pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes, depending on how tender you want the peas. It will take around 8 minutes for the Insta Pot to pressurize before cooking begins.
A 4 or 6-quart Insta Pot should be sufficient.
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers and they will last for up to 6 months. Frozen peas can be reheated in the microwave in just a few seconds.
