Are you looking for a delicious and healthy side dish or a hearty addition to your main course? Look no further! This Instant Pot recipe for black-eyed peas is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's surprisingly easy, incredibly flavorful, and ready in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them on the stovetop. Forget hours of simmering; this recipe delivers tender, perfectly cooked black-eyed peas with minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy this simple, yet satisfying, homemade dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté (Optional): If you prefer a richer flavor, start by setting your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is completely optional, but adds depth of flavor.
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Add Ingredients: Add the rinsed black-eyed peas, water (or broth), smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
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Serve: Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Fluff the black-eyed peas with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can serve them as is, or add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Black Eyed Peas:
- Soaking (Optional): While not strictly necessary with the Instant Pot, soaking the black-eyed peas for at least 4 hours or overnight will reduce cooking time and improve texture. If soaking, reduce the cooking time in the Instant Pot to 20 minutes.
- Salt: Add salt towards the end of the cooking process to prevent the peas from becoming tough.
- Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with other seasonings! Consider adding a pinch of cumin, coriander, or a dash of hot sauce for variations in flavor.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Black Eyed Peas: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño pepper during the sautéing stage for extra heat.
- Smoked Black Eyed Peas: Use liquid smoke instead of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor profile.
- Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hocks: Add 1-2 ham hocks to the pot for a savory and incredibly flavorful dish. Increase the cooking time to 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on additions)
- Protein: Approximately 8-10 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 8-10 grams
This Instant Pot recipe for black-eyed peas is a simple, healthy, and delicious addition to your weekly meal plan. Perfect as a quick dinner side dish or a base for a hearty stew, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!