There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm pot of black-eyed peas and ham, simmered to perfection. It’s a dish steeped in tradition, carrying stories of resilience and prosperity from kitchens across the South. And today, in the Serendipity Farmhouse Test Kitchen, we’re putting our own spin on this time-honored meal using the Instant Pot.
This isn’t just another recipe—it’s a special creation we crafted for our dear neighbor’s birthday. She loves black-eyed peas, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing together rich, smoky ham, thick-cut bacon, and tender black-eyed peas in a dish that tastes like home?
Using the Instant Pot, we cut hours of cooking time down to just 18 minutes of pressure cooking. (Of course there was some warm-up and natural release time.) But don’t be fooled—every bite is bursting with flavor and tradition, thanks to the careful balance of ingredients. Smoked ham brings depth, bacon adds richness, and a slow natural pressure release ensures the peas are perfectly tender.
But this isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about honoring history. Black-eyed peas have been a Southern staple since the 18th century, praised by Thomas Jefferson and relied upon during the Civil War. From slow-simmered Dutch oven methods to the modern speed of the Instant Pot, this dish carries generations of flavor.
Now, we want YOU to join us in the kitchen. Watch our latest video as we bring this Test Kitchen Project to life, sharing tips, history, and a taste test that proves just how satisfying this dish can be.
Watch the full video and Happy Cooking!!
Instant Pot Southern Black-Eyed Peas & Ham
Notes
#1 - A Smoked Ham Hock can be substituted for the Ham.
Ingredients
- • ½ large Onion, chopped
- • 2 Bay Leaves
- • 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
- • 1 lb Dry Black-Eyed Peas, rinsed and soaked overnight
- • 1 lb Ham (make sure it is smoked, for best flavor); Note #1
- • 3-4 slices Thick Cut Smoky Bacon, chopped
- • 1 cup Water
- • 4 cups Chicken Broth
- • ¼ tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Turn on the Sauté setting. When hot, add the bacon, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to turn translucent.
- Add the bay leaves. Cook, stirring constantly, for 20 seconds.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the pot. Cancel the sauté setting.
- Close the lid and set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
- Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button, and then the +/- button to select 18 minutes. High Pressure.
- When the cook cycle has finished, turn off the pot and let it sit undisturbed for a 15-20 minute natural release. Then, turn the steam release knob to the Venting position to release the remaining pressure.
- When the pin in the lid drops back down, open the lid.
- Remove the bay leaves and discard.
- Taste and add a little salt, if needed.
- Serve alongside some cornbread. You can also serve over rice for a Hoppin' John style meal.
Nutrition Facts
Instant Pot Southern Black-Eyed Peas & Ham
Serves: 8 persons
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 - 1½ cups
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat ~12g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0 | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 | |
| Sodium ~850mg (varies based on broth and ham) | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate ~35g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber ~8g | 0% | |
| Sugars | ||
| Protein ~25g | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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