Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot Recipe Vegetarian Delight

If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious, and delicious vegetarian meal that comes together quickly, this Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot recipe is exactly what you need. Black eyed peas are a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making them a perfect ingredient for a plant-based diet.

Cooking them in an Instant Pot not only cuts down the cooking time significantly compared to traditional methods, but it also locks in flavors wonderfully. This recipe features a medley of fresh vegetables and warming spices that bring out the best in these humble legumes, creating a comforting dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to add more meatless meals to your rotation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices.

Ready to dive into a bowl of wholesome goodness? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe is a game changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast and fuss-free—no soaking or long simmering required thanks to the power of pressure cooking.

Second, it’s packed with flavor from aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of spices that perfectly complement the earthy taste of the peas. Third, it’s completely vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Additionally, this dish is budget-friendly and uses pantry staples combined with fresh vegetables, making it an ideal meal prep option. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze portions for later.

Finally, it’s a comforting, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you crave something nourishing yet light.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Bowl for rinsing peas

Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the black eyed peas: Place the dried peas in a bowl and rinse under cold water. Remove any small stones or debris.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
3. Add the spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices and release their aroma.
4. Add black eyed peas and liquids: Pour in the rinsed black eyed peas, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, making sure the peas are submerged.
5. Pressure cook the peas: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 15 minutes at high pressure.
6. Natural release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
7. Check and serve: Open the lid and stir the peas. If the mixture is too watery, you can turn on “Sauté” mode again and simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top before serving for a burst of freshness.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of plain yogurt just before serving.

If you prefer your black eyed peas with a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. For added depth, try including a smoked bay leaf during cooking and remove it before serving.

This recipe is versatile—feel free to substitute or add vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced potatoes for extra nutrition. You can also stir in cooked quinoa or rice to make it a more filling one-pot meal.

Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian black eyed peas dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

You can also enjoy it alongside warm cornbread or crusty whole grain bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh green salad and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. If you want to add some extra protein, consider topping the dish with crumbled feta cheese or a spoonful of your favorite yogurt.

Looking for more delicious vegetarian recipes? Try our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or cool down with a sweet treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

For a fun snack, check out the Cheese Penny Recipe.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe is a fantastic addition to any vegetarian kitchen. It’s fast, easy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds.

Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up cooking but also enhances the flavors, making this dish a perfect weeknight dinner or a comforting meal prep option.

Whether you’re new to black eyed peas or a longtime fan, this recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy them. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different serving options.

With its nutritional benefits and delicious taste, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegetarian black eyed peas recipe cooked quickly in the Instant Pot. Perfect as a nutritious main or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried black eyed peas, rinsed”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 bell pepper, diced”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “3 cups vegetable broth”, “1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes”, “2 cups fresh spinach”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Set Instant Pot to saut\u00e9 and heat olive oil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; saut\u00e9 until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add black eyed peas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in fresh spinach until wilted before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250”, “proteinContent”: “14g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “38g”}}