This no-soak Black Eyed Peas Recipe shows you how to make black eyed peas with cooked ham in the Instant Pot or stove. Savor these creamy black eyed peas for New Year's day or any weeknight dinner!
Here's an easy, creamy black-eyed peas recipe we like to make with leftover holiday ham and a few pantry ingredients. This no-soak recipe can be made via stove or oven, and is a favorite in our Instant Pot recipe collection. Everyone needs an easy, scrumptious black-eyed peas New Year's recipe to eat for good luck.
Black eyed peas recipe ingredients
- uncooked black eyed peas
- chicken broth (or water)
- leftover ham
- dried onion flakes (or onion powder)
- salt and pepper
- bay leaf
Black eyed peas New Year's tradition
Eating black-eyed peas for the new year 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 to share food and any excuse to see people on the first day of the new year.
Do black eyed peas need to soak?
It's really not necessary. Dry black eyed peas cook in about an hour without soaking, which is perfectly reasonable. If you cook them in the pressure cooker, they'll cook even faster!
How to cook black eyed peas in the Instant Pot
* see recipe card below for FULL PRINTABLE recipe
- Place the inner pot in the Instant Pot base and plug in the unit.
- Add BLACK-EYED PEAS, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, BAY LEAF, CHICKEN BROTH (or water), and DICED HAM to the Instant Pot.
- 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.
- 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.
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How to cook black eyed peas on the stove
* see recipe card below for FULL PRINTABLE recipe
- 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).
- Cook over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil for about 5 minutes.
- 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.
How to cook black eyed peas in the oven
* see recipe card below for FULL PRINTABLE recipe
- Preheat oven to 375°
- 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).
- Cover with a heavy lid and bake for 60 minutes. Near the end of the cooking cycle, you can add kale or spinach to this recipe.
- 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.
- Return covered pot to the oven for 15-30 minutes until beans are fully cooked; carefully remove when done.
How to serve black eyed peas
Black eyed peas are often served with collard greens and cornbread. I love them with my French bread too! Serve black eyed peas with rice, as is quite popular with Hoppin’ John recipes.
Recommended Tools
- chef's knife (to cut ham...or tear in pieces with hands)
- colander
- 6 qt Instant Pot or dutch oven with lid
- measuring cup
- serving ladle
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Related posts
If you want to serve black eyed peas as an appetizer or side dish, check out my Black Eyed Pea Salad that's very similar to cowboy caviar.
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!
Instant Pot Black Beans and Instant Pot Chickpeas are both efficient ways to pressure cook beans for multiple uses.
Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Dried Black Eyed Peas *see footnote about using canned or frozen beans
- 7 cups Chicken Broth or water
- 1/2 lb Ham diced or shredded
- 1/4 cup Dried Onion Flakes or 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Bay Leaf
RECIPE VIDEO
Recipe Instructions
- Sort and rinse the beans to remove any unwanted particles.
How to make black eyed peas in the Instant Pot
- Stir together BLACK EYED PEAS, BROTH, HAM, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, and BAY LEAF in the Instant Pot.
- Secure lid and turn the pressure release valve to "Sealing" position.
- Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" on HIGH pressure for 12 minutes.
- When cook cycle completes, allow the cooker to sit undisturbed for a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR).
- Carefully turn the pressure release valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining steam. Open the lid, remove the bay leaf, and serve warm.
How to make black eyed peas on the stove
- In a 3-quart, heavy soup pot, combine BLACK EYED PEAS, BROTH, HAM, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, and BAY LEAF.
- Bring everything to a boil for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer the black eyed peas 30-45 minutes, or until beans have softened to your liking, stirring as needed.
How to make black eyed peas in the oven (hands-free method)
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a 3-quart, heavy soup pot, combine BLACK EYED PEAS, BROTH, HAM, DRIED ONION, SALT, PEPPER, and BAY LEAF.
- Cover and bake for 60 minutes.
- Test the beans for softness. If you want them softer, add additional liquid just to cover the beans and bake in 15-minute intervals until they're to your liking.
Serving and storage
- To serve black eyed peas, remove the bay leaf and serve warm.To store, allow to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze up to 90 days.
RECIPE NOTES
- Ham hock: add a ham hock or ham shank to this recipe at the beginning of the cook cycle and remove before serving. You'll need to remove any pieces of bone or gristle.
- Bacon: fry 1/2 lb of bacon slices and add to the cooked black eyed peas before serving.
- Sauteed onions: dice half of a medium onion and sauté with 2 Tbsp olive oil before adding remaining ingredients.
- Other sauteed vegetables: diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper will add texture, flavor, and nutrients to black eyed peas.
- Hot sauce or Tobasco: after beans have cooked, add your favorite spicy sauce condiment to cooked black eyed peas.
Nutrition
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Your blackeyed pea recipe for the stove was awesome! It was easy & the peas were perfectly cooked. The only change I made was to use two smoked turkey necks instead of ham since my hubby does not eat pork. A keeper recipe. Thank you so much!
Yayyy Nanette! So glad to hear it! Yes...smoked turkey works wonders in black eyed peas. Glad you enjoyed this recipe and Happy New Year 🎉
I haven't tried your recipe yet, but it sounds almost exactly the way I cook BEP, the way my Mom taught me 50 years ago (or so). We frequently had peas or pinto beans when I was growing up, and Mom never soaked either one, and they always turned out delicious. Thank you for dispelling the myth that soaking is necessary!
Awww you're so welcome, John 🙂 And I love hearing that you were taught that way...I lovvvve pinto beans like these too! My fav way to cook pintos ... in the oven! 🙌🏼 Thanks for the feedback and have yourself a happy new year!!!
I make this black eyed peas recipe every new year. It's delicious, reliable, and couldn't be easier. Thanks for always keeping things easy for me in the kitchen! Happy New Year, KG!
Awesome, Al! So glad you are among the many who enjoy the black eyed peas New Year tradition 🙂 Its' one of my favs! Thanks for the feedback 💚
I made these from beans we grew this year in the garden and threw them together in minutes and used about 6 slices of bacon instead. Had to add more liquid but the taste was DIVINE! Ate them over brown rice and was FANTASTIC flavor! Saved this for more beans over the winter. Will be trying this using other kinds of beans we have!
Awesome, Mary! I'm so glad to hear it and happy to inspire your black eyed peas dinner 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to let me know 💚
Thank you for this recipe. I followed your stovetop method and they turned out delicious and took less then an hour.
Awesome, Natasha! Glad you enjoyed them...and they are so quick for beans 🙂
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.
So glad to hear it Rosalee! Yep, stove method is great too for these. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience...much appreciated! 🙂
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. Great recipe! Thank you!!
Thanks Tina! Yes, they're so easy and delicious...hope you love them 🙂
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.
Woohoo Thanks! You'll love this recipe! And black eyed peas aren't just for New Year's Day either. They're great anytime! 🙂
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.
Thanks Carmy! Hope you love this one 🙂
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.
Thanks Debra! Hope this is the year for you 🙂
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 😉
Haha thanks Dana! Hope you love these...I know I do! Happy New Year to you 🙂
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!
Awesome Daniela...glad to dispel the myth 🙂 Thanks and Happy New Year!
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!
Haha, yep Tracy, enjoy NOT soaking...and Happy New Year to you and yours 🙂
Do you think you could double this in an 8qt instant pot??
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 🙂
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.
Thanks Gloria! I am right there with you on the legumes and beans...can't get enough! 🙂
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!
Thanks Lisa! I'm so glad to hear you're already on board with the black eyed peas New Year tradition! Bring on 2019! 🙂
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.
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! 🙂
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.
Thanks Shinta! Yep, hope you can give it a go sometime. I think you'll love it! 🙂
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?
Thanks Gabi...love hearing that! Yes, this does work with other beans. Grab this link! https://thekitchengirl.com/cook-dry-beans-in-2-hours/
Thank you for this helpful link, Traci:)
You're so welcome! 🙂
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.
Thanks Katherine! I've definitely made the vegetarian version of this recipe. It's equally delish 🙂
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.
Thanks Lisa...I'm excited for the next time you forget to soak. You'll love this recipe! 😉
I'm not sure why I don't eat black-eyed peas more! I love them and now I'm glad I got your recipe so I can put them back in my diet!
Thanks Elaine! Sounds like a great plan and I'll be glad to be a part of it 🙂
Wow, love how easy this is. It's generally such a long process making black eyed peas!
Thanks Lisa...I make it every year, and I never soak the beans LOL. Hope you get to try it sometime 🙂
I don't think i have ever made black eyed peas, but your recipe looks so flavorful!
Thanks Denisse! Yes, this one definitely has ALL the flavor! 🙂
I love black eyed peas! Can't wait to try this!
Thanks Jessica...hope you love it!
Love that it doesn't take long to make. Perfect for New Year's! We always have a New Year's Day party and a friend usually brings the black eyed peas, but I might have to make this
Thanks Marlynn! Yep, it has saved me numerous times! Every year, to be exact LOL
Delicious recipe! I didn't know this was a tradition for some on New Years, very fascinating! thanks for a quick and tasty recipe
Thanks Kasey! Yep, it's NYD tradition for good luck. I do it every year 🙂