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No-Soak Black Eyed Peas Recipe for Instant Pot or Stove

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This No Soak Black Eyed Peas recipe should be titled “go ahead and forget to soak!” because soaking isn’t necessary. That’s right, in about an hour, you can have a cooked pot of “lucky” beans for New Year’s Day. So, fire up your Instant Pot, or stovetop, or oven, because we’re giving you instructions on how to make black eyed peas for each method.

ladle of black eyed peas over instant pot on green background

Black Eyed Peas Recipe with Ham

I can’t tell you how many years I’ve successfully eaten black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day because of this no-soak recipe.

It’s not that I don’t plan, I’ve just learned that soaking really isn’t necessary. You can have a pot of hearty, nutritious, black-eyed peas in front of you within 60 minutes of deciding to make it.

The ingredients for this recipe are dried black-eyed peas, cooked ham, and a few pantry ingredients, all of which are available at most grocery stores.

Black Eyed Peas Recipe Video [for Instant Pot]

Why do we eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day?

Eating black-eyed peas (Hoppin’ John) on New Year’s Day is a Southern tradition that’s believed to bring luck and prosperity in the coming year.

I’m not superstitious, but I’ll take all the luck I can get.

I happen to also love great food and an excuse to see people on the first day of the new year.

Do black eyed peas need to soak?

As I mentioned above, it’s really not necessary. Dry black eyed peas cook in about an hour without soaking, which is perfectly reasonable.

I’ve included three methods to cook black-eyed peas. You can pick your method and rock this recipe. It’s delish any way you decide to go!

  1. Instant Pot
  2. On the stove
  3. In the oven … yep, in the oven!
cooked black eyed peas in instant pot on green background

How to cook black eyed peas in the Instant Pot

  1. Place the inner pot in the Instant Pot base and plug in the unit.
  2. Add BLACK-EYED PEAS, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, BAY LEAF, CHICKEN BROTH (or water), and DICED HAM to the Instant Pot. If you want to add kale or collard greens, now would be the time to add it.
  3. Select the “Manual” function on the control panel and press “+/-” buttons to display 12 minutes on the LED (or 20 minutes for very soft beans). Toggle the “Pressure” function to set pressure indicator light to “High Pressure”. Allow the cook cycle to run.
  4. When the cycle is complete, the cooker beeps and LED display reads “0”. Allow the cooker do natural pressure release (NPR) until the ‘float valve’ drops (about 10 minutes). The cooker then goes into “Keep warm” mode. At this point, your black eyed peas are ready to enjoy.

Get the full recipe below

Image of chicken broth being poured over black eyed peas ingredients in the Instant pot

How to cook black eyed peas on the stove

  1. In a 3-quart, heavy soup pot (with lid), combine BLACK EYED PEAS, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, BAY LEAF, HAM, and CHICKEN BROTH (or water).
  2. Cook over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil for about 5 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the black eyed peas 60-90 minutes, or until beans are softened to your liking. (optional) Near the end of the cooking cycle, you can add kale or spinach to this recipe. If using collard greens, you’ll want to add those with the other ingredients early in the cooking cycle.

Get the full recipe below

black eyed peas in cast iron dutch oven with wooden spoon

How to cook black eyed peas in the oven

  1. Preheat oven to 375°
  2. In a 3-quart, heavy soup pot (with lid), combine BLACK EYED PEAS, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, BAY LEAF, HAM, and CHICKEN BROTH (or water).
  3. Cover with a heavy lid and bake for 60 minutes. (optional) Near the end of the cooking cycle, you can add kale or spinach to this recipe. If using collard greens, you’ll want to add those with the other ingredients early in the cooking cycle.
  4. Carefully remove pot to check for doneness; Note: if liquid level has fallen below bean surface, add enough to slightly cover beans if the beans need more cooking time.
  5. Return covered pot to the oven for 15-30 minutes until beans are fully cooked; carefully remove when done.

Get the full recipe below

Check out my other post on How to Cook Dried Beans in 2 Hours…and look at the testimonials under the recipe. People swear by this method!

Black Eyed Peas Recipe Ingredients

  • dried Black Eyed Peas
  • dried onion flakes
  • salt and pepper
  • bay leaf
  • chicken broth (or water)
  • leftover ham (optional)
black eyed peas recipe ingredients (diced ham, black eyed peas, dried onion, salt and pepper, and bayleafon green background

Can I add greens to this recipe?

Heck ya! Here’s what

Tools I use for this recipe

How do you serve black eyed peas?

Black eyed peas are often served with collard greens and cornbread. I do love beans and greens…and I simply gotta get my cornbread recipe up on the blog, guys!

You could also serve them with quinoa, or rice, as is more traditional with Hoppin’ John.

Need other black eyed peas recipes?

Check out my Black Eyed Pea Salad that’s very similar to cowboy caviar.

Also, I have a Black Eyed Peas Brownie recipe that’s gluten free.

ladle of black eyed peas over instant pot on green background
black eyed peas in cast iron dutch oven with wooden spoon
Print REcipe
5 from 20 votes

No Soak Black Eyed Peas Recipe for Instant Pot or Stove

An easy black eyed peas recipe made with leftover ham and a few pantry ingredients. This no-soak recipe has instructions for Instant Pot, stove, and [BONUS] oven method. Everyone needs a scrumptious black-eyed peas recipe to eat for good luck on New Year's Day.
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 1-cup servings
Calories 82kcal
Author Traci Antonovich

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Sort and rinse the beans to remove any unwanted particles.

How to make black eyed peas in the Instant Pot

  • Add BLACK EYED PEAS, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, BAY LEAF, CHICKEN BROTH, and DICED HAM to the Instant Pot.
  • Secure the lid and turn the pressure release valve to the "Sealing" position.
  • Select "Manual" and set the Instant Pot on "High" pressure for +12 minutes.
  • When the cycle completes, allow the Instant Pot to sit for 10 minutes, undisturbed, for a natural pressure release (NPR).
  • Then, using an oven mitt for protection, release any remaining steam by turning the pressure release valve to the "Venting" position.
  • The cooker automatically goes into "Keep Warm" mode until you shut it off.
  • The entire process from dry beans to 'done' takes 45 minutes in the Instant Pot.

How to make black eyed peas on the stove

  • In a 3-quart, heavy soup pot (with lid), combine BLACK EYED PEAS, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, BAY LEAF, DICED HAM, and CHICKEN BROTH.
  • Bring everything to a rolling boil and continue boiling for about 5 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the black eyed peas 30-60 minutes, or until beans are softened to your liking. Serve warm.

How to make black eyed peas in the oven

  • Preheat oven to 375°
  • In a 3-quart, heavy soup pot (with lid), combine BLACK EYED PEAS, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, BAY LEAF, DICED HAM, and CHICKEN STOCK.
  • Cover and bake for 60 minutes.
  • Carefully remove pot to check for doneness; Note: if water level has fallen below bean surface, add enough to slightly cover beans.
  • Return covered pot to oven for 15-30 minutes until beans are fully cooked; carefully remove when done.

Note: If you want a deeper, smokier ham flavor, add a 1/4 lb ham hock or ham shank to this recipe at the beginning of the cook cycle. Then, remove it at the end of the cook cycle. Remove any bone pieces that may have broken off into the beans during cooking.

    To serve black eyed peas, remove the bay leaf before eating.

      RECIPE NOTES

      Yield: 8 cups
      Serving size: 1 cup
      Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy and are estimates based on unbranded ingredients acquired from a nutrition database. For accurate calculations, please refer to brand packaging information and consult your nutritionist.

      Nutrition

      Nutrition Facts
      No Soak Black Eyed Peas Recipe for Instant Pot or Stove
      Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
      Calories 82 Calories from Fat 27
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 3g5%
      Saturated Fat 1g6%
      Cholesterol 21mg7%
      Sodium 680mg30%
      Potassium 286mg8%
      Carbohydrates 4g1%
      Fiber 1g4%
      Sugar 1g1%
      Protein 10g20%
      Vitamin C 8mg10%
      Calcium 14mg1%
      Iron 1mg6%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
      Did you make this recipe? Tag me!Mention @thekitchengirl or tag #thekitchengirl
      Traci Antonovich
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      Traci Antonovich

      Recipe author and food photographer at The Kitchen Girl
      I'm on a mission to help you eat healthy AND save money through simple, everyday recipes, product reviews, and budget-friendly kitchen tips.
      Traci Antonovich
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      Comments

      1. Rosalee says

        04/26/2019 at 3:02 pm

        5 stars
        I fixed them stove top in an enamel coated cast iron sauce pan, large.
        I used 1/2cup with a 10oz can of chicken broth and McCormick garlic/herb mix (no salt).
        I watched them carefully after they began to simmer and had to add abit more liquid (water only).
        They were finished in an hour.
        I set them aside while I fixed a large mixed green salad to accompany them. I also
        served the peas with a slice of blueberry corn bread.
        What a marvelous lunch😁
        They were amazing.
        So delicious and so simple to fix.

        Reply

        • Traci Antonovich says

          04/27/2019 at 8:54 am

          So glad to hear it Rosalee! Yep, stove method is great too for these. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience…much appreciated! 🙂

      2. Tina says

        01/13/2019 at 5:49 am

        5 stars
        So many options to start the New Year, love it! I never knew that I could cook dried black-eyed peas so quickly in the oven. I love that you presented all three methods in this post, and will definitely be trying all of them.

        Reply

      3. Marisa Franca says

        01/05/2019 at 8:02 am

        5 stars
        I’ve always wanted to make black eyed peas but I thought that it would take too long to do. Your tips certainly make the whole dish very doable. It may not be New Years but I’m making the black eyed peas this weekend. We already have the ham.

        Reply

      4. Carmy says

        01/02/2019 at 6:19 pm

        5 stars
        I love black eyed peas but don’t love soaking! This is a great recipe – I love not having to soak and it’s a delicious way to start off the new year. I can’t wait to try this.

        Reply

      5. Debra says

        01/02/2019 at 5:49 pm

        5 stars
        I have never made black eyed peas. I admit, I have been intimidated. You give so many options that all seem so manageable. This is going to be the year I give them a try! THank you.

        Reply

      6. Dana says

        01/02/2019 at 9:05 am

        5 stars
        Why don’t you just “@” me, Traci! I am notorious for forgetting to soak beans, haha! Which is why I usually just opt for canned beans. Because DERP. But look at this. This sounds so cozy and warm and filling. I had no idea about this tradition! We have a new NYE tradition (pajamas and takeout Chinese, haha), but for the following day, we need a tradition. But I’m not waiting a whole year until I make these 😉

        Reply

      7. Daniela says

        12/30/2018 at 1:37 pm

        5 stars
        Yum! I love black eyed peas, but I have always been afraid to make them at home because I thought they were super time consuming to cook. Now I know that’s not true! I can’t wait to make a big batch and eat them throughout the winter.

        Reply

      8. Tracy says

        12/29/2018 at 3:28 pm

        5 stars
        Oh my gosh THANK YOU! This is always what happens to me, I think of wanting to make black eyed peas, but I want them now, I never have the foresight! My daughter LOVES black eyed peas too, which we discovered New Years day this year! Definitely making them again for her this New Years day and now I don’t have to worry about soaking them!

        Reply

        • Traci Antonovich says

          01/01/2020 at 12:58 pm

          Hi Ann…well, I don’t own that model so I can’t speak from experience, but I do know that you will not want to exceed the “max” fill line that’s on the inner pot of any cooker. I also don’t know if the pressure cooking time is exactly the same across cookers. If you decide to do it, I’ll love to hear from you on how it performed 🙂

      9. Gloria says

        12/27/2018 at 2:09 pm

        5 stars
        I love lentils, legumes, beans. This looks like a delicious recipe, and perfect to start some healthy eating in 2019!! I will pick some up next time I am in the grocery store.

        Reply

      10. Lisa says

        12/27/2018 at 8:38 am

        5 stars
        Traci – I’m with you — I’ll take all the luck I can get. I make hoppin’ john every year for our New Year’s dinner — but I usually buy a few bags of frozen black eyed peas — because I always forget to soak. Now I know I can do this the day of without the forethought. That’s a boon to me. This Hoppin’ John looks like a great way to start off the New Year. Wishing you good health and prosperity in 2019!

        Reply

      11. Tracy Wilkinson says

        12/26/2018 at 7:35 am

        Planning on cooking them for the first time in the instant pot. Any reason not to add the ham in during the cooking process to infuse flavor? I’ve always cooked on the stove top with the ham in it.

        Reply

        • Traci Antonovich says

          12/26/2018 at 8:21 am

          Hi Tracy, I’ve done this too, but I find that the ham can overcook and become dry. To avoid this, I either add the cooked ham at the end like the recipe suggests, or start the recipe with a ham shank, then remove it after cooking, and add cooked ham to the finished product, which gives the beans a stronger ham flavor. Hope this helps, and thanks so much for hanging out on my page! 🙂

      12. Shinta Simon says

        10/29/2018 at 12:52 pm

        5 stars
        How interesting, I never knew about this New Year ‘s day tradition! And this technique too. I usually presoak my beans, but this method is new to me. I’d love to give it a try sometime. I can imagine all the flavour from the spices would have infused the beans in the oven. It does sound delicious.

        Reply

      13. Gabi says

        10/29/2018 at 9:01 am

        5 stars
        I love the simplicity of this fiber rich recipe, just pop it in the oven and forget it for a while… What do you think Traci, could you use any type of beans for this recipe?

        Reply

      14. Katherine Hackworthy says

        10/29/2018 at 8:46 am

        5 stars
        Such an easy recipe to make a hearty and tasty dish, filled with good luck too. It would be easy to adapt to a vegetarian version too. Ideal for the days you do not want to be cooking in the kitchen for hours on end.

        Reply

      15. Lisa Bynum says

        10/29/2018 at 8:29 am

        5 stars
        We eat black-eyed peas year round in my house, but definitely on New Year’s Day too. I need all the luck I can get, right? Pinning this for later, but at some point I ALWAYS forget to soak the beans.

        Reply

      21. Kasey says

        10/25/2018 at 10:41 am

        5 stars
        Delicious recipe! I didn’t know this was a tradition for some on New Years, very fascinating! thanks for a quick and tasty recipe

        Reply

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