Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe (2024)

Published: Jun 23, 2018 · Modified: Nov 21, 2023 by Prajakta Sukhatme · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

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Instant Pot Black eyed peas stew with spinach is a wholesome meal that is flavorful, hearty and healthy. It is one of the dish to make when you are craving comfort food. You will love the variation of flavors to this classic soul food.

The creamy texture of the black eyed peas balances well with smoky flavors of the seasoning. I am including instructions to make this recipe using electric pressure cooker like Instant Pot or on the Stove top. This side dish is fusion version of southerner new year’s day favorite.

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Ingredients
How to Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe?
What’s the best water to beans ratio for smoothly cooked beans?
Pro Tips
Our Delicious Comfort Food Recipes
Recipe FAQs
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe
More Hearty Stews

Similar to our Indian Black Eyed Peas Coconut Curry , pair this hearty stew with Easy Homemade Cornbread or Sweet Potato Wedges for a meal that will keep you feeling lucky and happy all year long.

This vegetarian black eyed peas hoppin’ john recipe is gluten free, soy free, dairy free and vegan.

Many folks eat black eyed peas on New Years. It is believed that eating them brings in good luck in the year. This ‘must have recipe’ however, can be enjoyed through out the year.

Ingredients

Exact measurements for each ingredients is listed in the recipe card at the end. Here’s more information about the ingredients I used and ideas for substitutions.

Black Eyed Peas : 1 cup dry Black Eyed Peas. Rinse them well in cold water before using.
Vegetables : I am using fresh baby spinach. You can also use collard greens or kale leaves. Also using one medium red onion and 2-3 medium sized Roma tomatoes for making the sauce.
Seasoning : For the earthy rich and complex flavors, I am using, coriander cumin powder along with smoked paprika and turmeric powder. Couple of bay leaves add to the savory flavor. ( make sure to discard them before eating) I also like to add a good dash of Chili lime seasoning. You can use chili powder and lime juice if you don’t have this seasoning easily available. Grated ginger and minced garlic is used to enhance the savory delicious flavors further.
Other Ingredients : I prefer to use neutral cooking oil like avocado oil or olive oil to make this stew. I also add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds while cooking beans and legumes. A teaspoon of brown cane sugar is used to balance all the flavors. A splash of lemon juice adds a refreshing taste to this earthy stew.

How to Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe?

Set Instant Pot on medium on Sauté. Wait few minutes so it heats up. Add oil. Wait for few seconds so the oil warms up. Then add in the ginger and garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

Add onions and sauté for few minutes till onions are tender. Mix in the tomato and cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.

Now add all the spices, salt and sugar and mix well. Add black eyed peas and water. Mix well.

Cancel sauté function. Close the lid of Instant Pot. Vent knob in Sealing position.

Press Pressure Cook Button, set on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Allow NPR. Natural pressure release. Open the lid. Add spinach and lemon juice and mix well again. Serve warm. Enjoy!

What’s the best water to beans ratio for smoothly cooked beans?

As a general guideline, we use 2:1 ratio of cups of water to pre-soaked beans. You should use 3 : 1 cup ratio if beans are not pre-soaked.

This ratio gives good consistency in cooking and gives smooth texture. If you are looking for more liquid soup like consistency, add more water.

Pro Tips

Whenever I am making curry / stew with beans, I prefer to mash some beans with spatula while stirring when they are cooked. The gravy in any curry gets awesome creamy and fullness from the mushed up beans.
You can also add celery, bell pepper, tomato paste for the favoring.
The gravy will thicken slightly and give a nice consistency and texture. You don’t need to add any thickening agent or cream .
Leftovers taste amazing too. For storage, use air tight containers and refrigerate it up to a week.
Serve it with rice, roti’s, bread, or with salad. My favorite pairing is Turmeric Lemon Rice and Creamy Potato Salad. Hope you enjoy making this dish.

Our Delicious Comfort Food Recipes

Chickpea Coconut Curry
Instant Pot Dal Makhani
Lentil Quinoa Soup
White Beans and Spinach Soup
Red Beans Curry -Rajma Chawal
Vegan Enchilada Rice

Recipe FAQs

Are Black Eyed Peas Healthy?

Loaded with good plant based protein and high fiber, Black eyed peas also provide zinc, B complex, iron and calcium. Their complex protein and carbohydrates are a great addition to any diet. It also contains a significant amount of flavonoids that help protect against cardiovascular diseases. No wonder these charming beans are considered your “Good Luck Charm” !

Do fenugreek seeds help in solving digestive issues with beans?

Traditionally in Indian cooking, a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds are often added while cooking any beans, lentils and legumes. It’s believed that fenugreek seeds help body break down the fiber and protein. It there by, helps to minimize the digestive issues. So, it is optional but I often add fenugreek seeds while cooking / soaking beans, lentils and legumes.

Do you need to soak black eyed peas before cooking?

Typically, I like to soak the beans for 4-5 hours before I cook them. They almost double in size and volume when soaked. So if you are cooking soaked beans, please adjust water accordingly. Often, I decide what to make in the morning and then its easy to plan and soak and do the prep work for it quickly.

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