Description
These smoky blackeyed peas are easy to make in a pressure cooker (Instant Pot) or Crock-Pot and you do NOT have to presoak the beans. The advantage of the pressure cooker is that you can get them on the table (and into your mouth) in right about an hour. They get their smoky flavor from a mix of bacon, smoked paprika and a ham hock. But you can make a vegetarian version without the meat and it’s still delicious.
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 small bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1/2 tsp dried
- 1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- salt and pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced small
- 4 cups bone broth, beef stock or vegetable stock (I like Kettle & Fire bone broth.)
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- 1 or 2 slices bacon, chopped (omit for vegetarian or vegan version)
- 1 smoked ham hock (omit for vegetarian version)
- 1 1/2 cups blackeyed peas, dry
- (optional) 2 cups collard greens or kale, chopped in 2″ pieces
Instructions
PRESSURE COOKER OR INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS
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Turn the pressure cooker on to the sauté function. Add olive oil, onion, celery, and bell pepper, and bay leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to turn translucent.
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Add the chopped bacon, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Stir.
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Add the garlic and jalapeño. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
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Add the broth, vinegar, and (optional) ham hock.
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Stir in the black-eyed peas, and greens, if using.
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Place the lid on the pressure cooker, locking it in place. Set the steam release knob to the sealing position.
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Cancel the sauté function.
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Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button (or dial) and use the + or – button (or dial) to select 20 minutes (for firmer beans choose 18 minutes).
When the cooking cycle has ended and the pot beeps, let it sit undisturbed for 15 minutes (15 minute natural release), then turn the steam release knob to the venting position to release the remaining steam/pressure. When the pressure is fully released, open the pot and give the contents a stir. If mixture is dry, you can add additional broth. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving.
CROCKPOT DIRECTIONS
- In a skillet on medium high heat, add olive oil, onion, celery, and bell pepper, and bay leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to turn translucent.
- Add the thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Stir.
- Add the garlic and Jalapeño. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Transfer mixture to crock pot. Add the broth, vinegar, and (optional) bacon and/or ham hock. I like to use both! Stir in the black-eyed peas, and greens, if using.
- Cook on low for 6 – 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf and thyme springs before serving.
Notes
To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the bacon and ham hock and use vegetable broth.
Feel free to add an extra jalapeno pepper if you want it spicier.
Look for black-eyed peas in the bulk section at your grocery store.
You may need to ask the butcher where to find smoked ham hocks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: recipe
- Method: pressure cooker
- Cuisine: soul food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
