Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine, renowned for their delicate flavor and delightful texture. Traditionally, preparing black-eyed peas can be a time-consuming process, but with the help of a pressure cooker, you can have a pot of perfectly cooked peas in a fraction of the time. In this blog post, we will explore how to prepare tender and flavorful black-eyed peas using a pressure cooker, allowing you to enjoy this classic comfort food with convenience and efficiency.
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Southern Tradition:
In the Southern United States, it is a long-standing tradition to prepare and consume black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. This practice is deeply rooted in folklore and is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth for the upcoming year.
The tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day can be traced back to African, Caribbean, and Creole cultures, which were brought to the southern states during the era of slavery.
Consuming black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is thought to attract good luck and ensure prosperity for the year ahead. It is believed that each pea represents a coin and that eating them signifies the accumulation of wealth. The meal is often paired with other symbolic foods, such as cabbage (representing money) and cornbread (symbolizing gold), further emphasizing the wish for abundance in the coming year. You can check out my Smothered Cabbage Recipe here!
The Benefits of Pressure Cooking:
1. Time-Saving: Pressure cookers dramatically reduce the cooking time of beans and legumes, including black-eyed peas. What would traditionally take hours of simmering can now be accomplished in a matter of minutes.
2. Retained Nutrients: Pressure cooking helps preserve the nutritional value of the peas, as the sealed environment prevents the loss of vitamins and minerals that can occur during traditional cooking methods.
3. Enhanced Flavor: The high heat and pressure in a pressure cooker create a sealed environment, allowing the flavors to infuse more deeply into the black-eyed peas, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Preparing Black-Eyed Peas: Three Methods to Consider
Before cooking the black-eyed peas in a pressure cooker, it’s essential to properly prepare them to ensure optimal texture and flavor. Here are three popular methods to consider:
1. Quick Soaking:
a. Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
b. In a large pot, add the peas and cover them with water, using a ratio of 3 cups of water for every cup of peas.
c. Bring the water to a boil and let it cook for 2 minutes.
d. Remove the pot from heat, cover it with a lid, and let the peas soak for 1 hour.
e. After soaking, drain and rinse the black-eyed peas once again before using them in the pressure cooker.
Note: Quick soaking is a great option if you didn’t have time for overnight soaking and need to reduce cooking time.
2. Overnight Soaking:
a. Rinse the black-eyed peas thoroughly with cold water to eliminate any impurities.
b. Transfer the peas to a large bowl or pot and cover them with water, ensuring there is enough water to completely submerge the peas.
c. Allow the black-eyed peas to soak overnight, ideally for 8 to 12 hours.
d. After soaking, drain and rinse the peas before using them in the pressure cooker.
Note: Overnight soaking is a traditional method that softens the peas and reduces their cooking time, resulting in a creamier texture.
3. No Soak Method:
a. Rinse the black-eyed peas to remove any dirt or debris.
b. Place the peas in the pressure cooker without pre-soaking.
c. Adjust the cooking time to compensate for the lack of soaking. Increase the cooking time by approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on the desired tenderness.
Note: The no soak method is ideal when you are short on time or simply prefer a slightly firmer texture in your black-eyed peas.
Remember, the soaking step helps to rehydrate the dried peas, reducing the cooking time and enhancing the overall texture. Choose the method that best suits your schedule and preference before proceeding with pressure cooking.
Packing With Flavor: Smoked Meats
Smoked meats, such as ham hocks, neck bones, bacon, or smoked turkey legs, impart a rich, smoky taste to the black-eyed peas. The natural smokiness adds depth and complexity to the dish, complementing the earthy and nutty flavors of the peas. The savory notes from the smoked meats create a delicious combination that elevates the overall taste profile.
Smoked meats are often seasoned heavily during the smoking process, resulting in meat that is infused with robust flavors. When added to black-eyed peas, the smoked meats release their delicious seasonings into the dish, enhancing the overall taste. Additionally, the flavorful liquid or stock produced by cooking smoked meats provides a delicious base for the peas, allowing them to absorb the savory essence of the meats throughout the cooking process.
Smoked meats, particularly ham hocks or smoked turkey legs, have tender and succulent meat that adds a desirable texture to the black-eyed peas. The meat becomes tender during the cooking process, imparting its flavors and juices into the dish, while also providing an enjoyable contrast to the creamy texture of the peas. Furthermore, the addition of smoked meats lends visual appeal, with the meat pieces adding interest and color to the overall presentation of the dish.
When cooked together, black-eyed peas and smoked meats create a harmonious combination, enhancing the taste, aroma, and texture of the peas. They add a smoky and savory element that takes the dish to another level, making it comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. However, it’s important to note that the use of smoked meats is a matter of personal preference, and you can still enjoy delicious black-eyed peas without them if you prefer a vegetarian or lighter variation.
Storing and Reheating
If you have cooked a larger batch of black-eyed peas than you need, you’ll want to store the leftovers properly. Allow the cooked peas to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or airtight freezer bag and refrigerate them. Cooked black-eyed peas can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
When stored in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below, black-eyed peas can retain their quality for up to 3-4 months. However, for the best flavor and texture, it is recommended to consume them within 1-2 months.
To thaw frozen black-eyed peas, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a little water, broth, or sauce if needed to prevent drying out.
Always remember to discard any black-eyed peas that show signs of spoilage, such as a foul odor, sliminess, or mold. Proper storage practices will help prolong the shelf life and maintain the quality of your black-eyed peas for future enjoyment.
Quick and Delicious: Black-Eyed Peas in a Pressure Cooker
Course: Uncategorized8
servings10
minutes25
minutes15
minutesIngredients
1 lb black eyed peas (soaked overnight, rinsed)
4 slices smoked bacon (sliced 1 ½ in pieces)
8 oz smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
½ lb smoked neck bones
1 medium onion (diced)
1 celery rib (chopped)
4 cloves of garlic (minced)
4 c chicken broth
3 bay leaves
2 sprigs of thyme
1 tbs hot sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Cajun seasoning to taste
- Pair With
Cooked rice
- Equipment:
Instant Pot
Directions
- Set the instant pot to sauté and add in smoked sausage and bacon. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the smoked sausage is rendered and the bacon is crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add in onions and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes or until tender. The moisture from the vegetables will help deglaze the bottom. Add in garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the meat back into the pot along with all the remaining ingredients except the Cajun seasoning. Give it a good mixing then close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high. Let cook for 25 minutes.
- Once the 25 minutes is up let it sit untouched for 15-20 minutes to natural release. Turn the valve to release remaining pressure.
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme. Use a fork to shred the meat off the neck bones and remove the bone. Use a potato masher to smash the beans to your desired creaminess. Season to taste with Cajun seasoning
- Pair over cooked rice and just like my name you’re all done!
Notes
- If you chose not to soak the beans, add 5 minutes to the pressure cooker.
FAQ:
Q: What are black-eyed peas?
A: Black-eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, are small, creamy-colored legumes with a distinctive black eye-shaped spot on the inner curve. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture when cooked.
Q: Are black-eyed peas only eaten on New Year’s Day?
A: While black-eyed peas are strongly associated with New Year’s Day traditions in the South, they can be enjoyed throughout the year as a nutritious and versatile ingredient. Many people incorporate them into soups, stews, salads, and side dishes, regardless of the time of year.
Q: Can I make black-eyed peas without smoked meats for a vegetarian version?
A: Absolutely! Black-eyed peas can be prepared without smoked meats to accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets. Simply omit the smoked meats and enhance the flavor with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices. Vegetable broth or seasoning can also be used to create a flavorful vegetarian dish.
Q: Are there any health benefits to eating black-eyed peas?
A: Yes! Black-eyed peas are a good source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They are low in fat and rich in folate, iron, potassium, and antioxidants. Incorporating black-eyed peas into your diet can support heart health, digestion, and overall well-being.
Excited to make this! Just wanted to flag that celery is listed in the recipe instructions but not in the ingredients if you would like to fix, Alden.
Thank you for the heads up! I have now updated the recipe.
Hello, Love the recipes, I noticed that celery is not in the ingredients list for the black eyed peas.
Thank you! It is now updated.
Hi! In Step 2, it says to add in celery, but it’s not listed as one of your ingredients. Would you mind please updating your ingredients list with the quantity of celery as well? Thanks, can’t wait to make this!
Sorry for that. I have updated it.
You mention adding celery in the instructions but not in the list of ingredients.
It is now updated. Thank you.
If cooking in the crockpot how long on low? I’ve cooked the bacon and sausage separately to add in the end. This looks delish! Can’t wait to try!
Hi, you would want to cook it on low for about 6 hour making sure to stir every so often so the heat is evenly distributed. I hope you enjoy!
Hey. Just a heads up that you mention celery in the instructions but don’t list it on the ingredients list. I’m excited to make this and am just hoping it’ll be okay without the celery.
Thanks!
I updated the recipe. I hope it was still enjoyable!
What is the measurement for celery for the black eyed peas recipe?
1 celery rib
😔Celery was not good in the ingredients portion of the recipe. I will
Not be going back to the store so I hope this comes out as delicious as it looks 😏
It will be fine without it but I have updated the recipe for next time! I hope you enjoyed.
The BEST Black-Eyed peas I’ve ever had! Before this recipe, I hated black-eyed peas. I used this recipe for my family to enjoy and ended up eating thirds!!! My husband says they were the best he’s ever had!!!! I rate them a 10/10
I love to hear that! I’m glad y’all enjoyed! Now on to the next recipe!
I have never been a fan of black-eyed peas but you have converted me. This was so good!!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed! I hope its a new tradition in your home for the new year from here on out!
Not a lick left in the pot! Quite certain this recipe bringing all the luck in 2024!
Yes Lawd!
WOW! So very good and love that my instapot does so much work!
The Instant Pot is such a great game changer in the kitchen.
My family LOVED it! I’ve made it 3 times already. The first time the beans were soaked but not soaked the next two times. I added 10 minutes as suggested and they were fine. I also added a full package of smoked sausage and more smoked meat as well. We were all fighting over it, it was so good lol
That’s great! I love to hear that. I’m glad you all enjoyed!