If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together in a flash, this Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Bacon, Ham, and Vegetables Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a fantastic blend of smoky bacon, savory ham, and vibrant vegetables, all perfectly cooked with tender black eyed peas. The Instant Pot makes this nourishing dish surprisingly quick and fuss-free, delivering deep flavors that taste like they’ve been simmered all day. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes for warmth, ease, and soul-satisfying flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Bacon, Ham, and Vegetables Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, adding layers of texture, vibrant color, and rich flavor that make every bite unforgettable.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity aroma to the base.
- 5 slices bacon (chopped): Adds smoky crispiness and a savory backbone.
- ½ onion (chopped): Offers sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 bell pepper (chopped): Brings a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- 1¼ tsp kosher salt (divided): Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and earthiness.
- ½ tsp ground paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet note that complements the bacon.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers aromatic pungency for a flavor boost.
- 1 cup diced ham: Contributes meaty richness and hearty bites.
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas: The star legume, packed with fiber and protein, no soaking needed.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Perfect cooking liquid that adds savory depth without excess saltiness.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal fragrance throughout the dish.
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or your favorite grain): For serving, absorbing every tasty drop.
How to Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Bacon, Ham, and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the bacon and vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in your Instant Pot on the Sauté setting. Toss in the chopped bacon and let it cook until it’s beautifully crispy. This step not only adds texture but also releases flavorful bacon fat that will season everything. Then add the onion, bell pepper, ¼ teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook these together until the veggies soften and become fragrant, about a few minutes.
Step 2: Add garlic and ham
Mix in the minced garlic and diced ham, sautéing for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the garlic to mellow and the ham pieces to heat through, releasing their savory goodness that blends perfectly with your smoky veggies.
Step 3: Combine black eyed peas and broth
Now stir in the black eyed peas — no soaking needed here, which saves time — and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Toss in the bay leaves and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. This flavorful cooking liquid will hydrate the peas while infusing them with layers of taste.
Step 4: Pressure cook for perfect tenderness
Seal the Instant Pot lid, press Cancel to stop sautéing mode, then select Pressure Cook or Manual and set it for 20 minutes on high pressure. Let it cook, then allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 more minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure. This technique ensures the peas become tender without falling apart.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Open the lid, remove the bay leaves, and give everything a gentle stir. Be careful not to leave the peas on the warm setting for too long, or they might turn mushy. Serve hot, either alone or spooned over your favorite cooked grain like fluffy white rice. Every bite bursts with smoky, savory goodness.
How to Serve Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Bacon, Ham, and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up this hearty dish by topping it with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or green onions. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add some light citrus zing to balance the richness. For the bold, a dash of hot sauce brings welcomed heat that pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty cornbread, a simple leafy green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can even serve it alongside some pickled greens for a tangy contrast that perks up the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your black eyed peas in rustic bowls over a bed of steaming rice or fluffy quinoa. For feeding a crowd, consider turning the dish into a vibrant buffet where everyone can scoop their perfect portion with fresh bread or tortillas. It also makes a fantastic filling for a flavorful stew or Mexican-inspired tacos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Bacon, Ham, and Vegetables Recipe cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, where the flavors will continue to deepen, making your leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy access later.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the mixture seems thick after reheating, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Do I need to soak the black eyed peas before cooking?
No soaking is necessary with this Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Bacon, Ham, and Vegetables Recipe. The pressure cooking breaks down the peas perfectly without pre-soaking, saving you prep time.
Can I use smoked sausage instead of ham and bacon?
Absolutely! Smoked sausage makes a great alternative and adds its own wonderful smoky flavor. Just slice it and add it in when you would add the ham and bacon.
Is low-sodium chicken broth necessary?
Using low-sodium broth gives you more control over the saltiness of the dish. You can always add more salt after cooking if needed, so it’s a safer choice especially if your ham or bacon is salty.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the bacon and ham with smoked paprika and smoked tofu or mushrooms for that savory depth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still have a flavorful, satisfying dish.
How do I prevent the black eyed peas from getting mushy?
Be sure to follow the cooking time exactly and release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest. Remove the bay leaves promptly and serve or store the peas soon after cooking to avoid overcooking on the warm setting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a dish that feels like a warm hug, and this Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Bacon, Ham, and Vegetables Recipe does exactly that with every spoonful. Easy, filled with wholesome ingredients, and full of rich, smoky flavors, it makes weeknight dinners a breeze and Sunday meals extra special. Give it a try and watch this recipe quickly become part of your meal rotation—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Bacon, Ham, and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This hearty Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas recipe combines smoky bacon, tender black eyed peas, and savory ham cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth. Prepared quickly with the convenience of an Instant Pot, it’s a delicious and comforting meal served over rice or your favorite grain, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced ham
Legumes and Broth
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas (no need to soak, sifted to remove debris)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 bay leaves
Seasonings
- 1¼ tsp kosher salt (divided)
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground paprika
Serving
- 2 cups cooked white rice or your favorite grain
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Turn on the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow it to warm up before adding any ingredients.
- Cook bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the hot oil. Cook until the bacon pieces become crispy, which will add a smoky flavor to the dish.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add garlic and ham: Stir in the minced garlic and diced ham. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Incorporate peas: Stir in the dried black eyed peas, mixing well with the sautéed ingredients.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves along with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir to combine.
- Prepare for pressure cooking: Close and secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is sealed. Press Cancel to stop sautéing.
- Pressure cook: Select the Pressure Cook or Manual button and set the timer for 20 minutes on high pressure.
- Natural release: When cooking completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully release any remaining pressure using the valve.
- Finish and stir: Open the lid and remove the bay leaves. Stir the peas gently to mix the flavors. Avoid keeping the peas on the ‘warm’ setting for too long to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Serve: Plate the black eyed peas as is or ladle them over cooked white rice or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not soak the black eyed peas before cooking; simply sift to remove any debris.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
