Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas (No Soak!)

These Instant Pot black eyed peas cook up tender, creamy, and no-soak with rich, smoky flavor. Enjoy them as a comforting side that’s packed with plant-based protein.

The first time I made dried black eyed peas in my Instant Pot, I couldn’t believe how simple it was! This tasty legume is so easy to make in a pressure cooker and is done in just 45 minutes: no overnight soaking or long simmering required (which is what I was used to).

I also love the texture: Instant Pot black eyed peas break down into their own thick sauce, flavored with garlic and smoked paprika. Whether you’re making them for a New Year’s Day tradition or just need a protein-packed side dish weeknight, this recipe has become my go-to for cooking this tasty bean.

Why This Recipe Works

I hope you’ll love this Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe because:

It makes tender, creamy beans with no overnight soaking required. A total win when it comes to cooking dried beans!
It’s faster than the stovetop: what would normally take 1.5 to 2 hours simmering reduces to just 45 minutes in a pressure cooker.
It’s easy to adapt: you can make it as a creamy side dish, or you can make just the beans to add to Texas caviar or black eyed pea salad.

About Black-Eyed Peas

Black eye peas are actually not really not peas at all: they’re beans! They’re part of the legume family with black beans, chickpeas, and peas, too. You might first think of them as part of the cuisine of the American South, but they originated in Africa and are eaten all over the world.

One of the most popular uses for black eyed peas in the US is as a lucky New Year’s Day tradition. Usually they’re served as part of Hoppin’ John, a dish with rice and pork. Outside fo that, there are so many other ways to serve them: Texas caviar, summer salads, grain bowls, and as a hearty side dish year-round.

5-Star Reader Reviews

“So easy, and unbelievably good!” -Susan

“My beans came out great, lots of liquid, & the broth is soo tasty, but I’ll serve over rice & quinoa mix, I don’t think I had 1 lb. of dried beans, a bit over 1 cup dried. So I adjusted the liquid in recipe. Perfect for the Instant Pot!! Since I cooked this on New Year’s Day 2024, I’m expecting good luck throughout the new year!! I loved the easiness of this recipe, especially on a holiday! Thanks!!” -Vicki

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Instant pot black eyed peas:

Dried black eyed peas: Use dried peas straight from the bag: no soaking required.
Vegetable broth: This adds savory depth. I prefer full-sodium vegetable broth; you can also use chicken broth.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth. I grate it directly into the cooked beans.
Smoked paprika: This is my secret ingredient that gives the beans their signature smoky depth without adding meat.
Oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note.
Onion powder: Gives sweet, savory depth without the texture of onions.
Butter (optional): A small amount stirred in at the end adds richness. For vegan, use olive oil or vegan butter.

How to Make Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas

Here’s the basic method for how to make Instant Pot black eyed peas. I use this 6-quart Instant Pot brand pressure cooker, so if you have a different brand or size, you’ll find that timing may vary. You’ll just need to taste test and adjust as necessary. For the specific quantities, scroll to the recipe below.

Place 1 pound the black eyed peas in the pressure cooker with the broth, water, and salt.
Pressure cook on High for 15 minutes. Remember it takes about 10 minutes to “preheat” and get up to pressure).
Perform a natural release for 15 minutes (side dish) or 10 minutes (salad). Less time cooking will help the peas hold their shape.
Add seasoning and stir into a sauce (side dish). When the peas are done cooking, there will be lots of liquid left in the pot. That’s what you want! As you stir, the beans will break down and form a creamy sauce. See the recipe below for seasoning quantities.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are a few variations you could try (I like the spicy-style):

Southern-style with meat: For traditional Southern black-eyed peas, you can add diced ham hock or diced smoked turkey to the pot with the dried peas. You can also add crispy bacon at the end.
Spicy Version: Stir in diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce with the other seasonings.
Extra Vegetables: In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in diced bell pepper, celery, or frozen corn.
Cajun-Style: Replace the oregano with Cajun seasoning and add diced celery, bell pepper, and onion before pressure cooking.

Ways to Serve

These Instant Pot black eyed peas make a healthy side dish to add a hit of plant-based protein to any meal. Here are a few ways we’d recommend serving them:

With cornbread: This classic pairing never gets old. I like my easy skillet cornbread or cornbread muffins to serve alongside.
With seafood. They’d be great alongside blackened salmon or Cajun shrimp.
Over grains: Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete plant-based meal.
Southern style: Pair with sauteed collard greens or mustard greens, baked mac and cheese, and sliced tomatoes.
New Year’s Day: Serve as part of Hoppin’ john over rice with a side of greens for the full good luck meal.
In grain bowls: Add them to my easy grain bowl recipe with roasted vegetables and a tangy dressing.
As Texas caviar: Toss them with diced bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh salsa-style dip.

Storage, Freezing, & Reheating

Leftovers store refrigerated for up to 5 days. The sauce thickens as they sit. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat.

You can also freeze them: let the beans cool completely, then transfer to containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Dietary Notes

This Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak dried black-eyed peas before cooking in the Instant Pot?

No soaking is necessary! That’s one of the best features of this recipe.

Can you make black-eyed pea soup in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely. To make soup, increase the vegetable broth to 6 cups and add diced vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and canned tomatoes. The pressure cook time stays the same at 15 minutes on high pressure.

What seasonings work best with Instant Pot black-eyed peas?

Beyond the smoked paprika, oregano, and garlic in this recipe, you could try bay leaves, cumin, cayenne pepper for heat, and black pepper. Cajun seasoning, thyme, and a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end also work.

Can I use a different Instant Pot size or brand?

Yes. I use a 6-quart Instant Pot, so you can use this size or larger for the 1 pound of dried black eyed peas.