These Instant Pot black-eyed peas make cooking our traditional New Year’s dinner so easy. In fact, we’re now eating them more often because it doesn’t involve such a long ordeal.

It also beats eating canned peas, although they’re not bad. Cooking them from their dried state is so much better because you have control over the seasonings that they absorb.

One of the problems with how I used to cook dry peas was that I had to remember to soak them the night before. Unfortunately, most of the time that didn’t happen.

However, I don’t have to worry about that anymore, now that the Instant Pot makes it so much easier and faster. In fact, it’s the only way I cook dry beans and peas now.

Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

There are all sorts of superstitions associated with eating black-eyed pease on New Year’s Day. In fact, my family had a few of their own.

However, these superstitions have nothing to do with why I eat them. My reason is that they taste delicious, and they’re one of the best foods to serve with any kind of pork or chicken.

We enjoy them with slices of this yummy pork tenderloin and a side of this green bean casserole deluxe.

And of course, we like to serve collard greens on the side as well because … well, that’s what southerners do.

Ingredients

Of course, you’ll need a bag of dried black-eye peas.

Here are the rest of the ingredients you’ll need:

• Onions
• Celery
• Chicken broth,
• Water
• Olive oil
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pork

You can use fresh thyme, but since I didn’t have any, I used crushed thyme in a jar.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by clicking on the “print” button.

You can add other ingredients if you like because there are so many different ways to cook them. Some of the things I’ve added are black pepper or red pepper flakes.

We also enjoy them with a can of diced tomatoes. It not only adds flavor, but it makes the meal a whole lot more colorful.

How to Make Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas

Put the olive oil in the Instant Pot. Then add the chopped onions and celery. Next, sauté them until the onions are translucent.

Turn off the pot while you prepare the peas.

In a colander, rinse the peas. Sort through them to make sure all you have are peas.

Pour the water, broth, and peas into the pot.

Give it a quick stir.

Add the seasonings and ham.

Stir to evenly distribute the ham.

Finally, give it a quick stir. Put the lid on the pot and set it to sealing.

Use the manual setting and set it for 30 minutes.

After the time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release on its own for about 10 minutes.

Then carefully push the little lever to release. Step back until all the steam has released.

I highly recommend not releasing the steam directly beneath a cabinet. Or your cabinet might warp over time.

Remove the lid and admire the beautiful black-eyed peas.

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas

If you do remember to soak the peas, you can cook them in your slow cooker. Use the same ingredients that I mentioned above, and the results will be wonderful!

Since they’re cooking without pressure, it will take several hours to cook them in your slow cooker. What I typically do is put all of the ingredients into the pot and turn it to high for the first hour while I get ready for the day first thing in the morning..

Then I turn it down to low and go about my day. About 6 to 8 hours later, the peas should be done.

Other Sides for Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas

When my mom used to cook peas, she also made some of this yummy potato salad. Or if you prefer something lighter, check out this can’t-get-enough BLT salad.

More Recipes

These black-eye peas are the perfect side for these delicious creamy ranch slow cooker pork chops. Or you may want to simply fry pork chops with a light dusting of salt and pepper.

If you prefer another type of meat, try this breaded chicken from my friend Julie at Back to My Southern Roots.

Another delicious dish to serve with these peas is this yummy tomato cucumber salad.

For dessert, I enjoy either this light 3-ingredient chocolate cake.

Or if I want a more substantial dessert, I like this hearty 2-ingredient apple cake.

You can add frosting to either of the cakes or leave them bare. Both of the cakes are good and super easy to make.

This recipe is shared at Meal Plan Monday and Full Plate Thursday.

Please feel free to share!