Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot Recipe Vegan and Delicious

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Black eyed peas have long been a beloved staple in many kitchens around the world, cherished not only for their hearty texture but also for their rich cultural significance. Whether you’re celebrating a traditional New Year’s meal or simply looking to add a nutritious, filling dish to your weekly lineup, this Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot Recipe is a game-changer.

With the Instant Pot, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, tender black eyed peas in a fraction of the usual time, all while keeping the recipe completely vegan and packed with wholesome flavors. This easy, one-pot meal is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you want a cozy, nourishing bowl of comfort food without the fuss.

In this recipe, you’ll find a delightful blend of savory spices, fresh vegetables, and hearty black eyed peas that come together beautifully in the Instant Pot. Plus, the ingredients are simple, natural, and entirely plant-based, making it perfect for vegans and anyone wanting a healthy, flavorful legume dish.

Get ready to savor the warmth and richness of this vegan black eyed peas recipe that’s as delicious as it is nutritious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly time-efficient.

No soaking required, and the Instant Pot means your peas will be tender and flavorful in under an hour. The recipe is also nutrient-dense, offering a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Moreover, it’s 100% vegan and allergy-friendly, free from common allergens like dairy and gluten, making it suitable for most dietary needs. The flexibility in seasoning means you can easily customize the dish to suit your spice preferences or what you have on hand.

Whether served as a main dish or a side, this recipe is hearty, warming, and satisfying — perfect for any season.

Finally, it’s a wonderful introduction to cooking legumes in the Instant Pot, saving you time and effort while delivering consistent results every time.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black eyed peas (rinsed and sorted)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or pressure cooker
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Spoon or spatula for sautéing
  • Bowl for rinsing black eyed peas

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the black eyed peas under cold water and remove any debris or damaged peas. Chop the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and heat the olive oil. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and vegetables soften.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Combine black eyed peas and liquids: Add the rinsed black eyed peas to the pot along with the diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine.
  5. Seal and cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 25 minutes on high pressure.
  6. Natural release: When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
  7. Check and adjust: Open the lid and remove the bay leaf. Stir the peas and check for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy as a hearty main dish or a delicious side.

Tips & Variations

“For added smoky depth, consider tossing in a smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. If you prefer a bit more texture, reduce pressure cooking time by 5 minutes and use natural release only.”

  • Soaking option: Soaking black eyed peas for 1-2 hours before cooking can reduce cooking time slightly and improve digestibility.
  • Add greens: Stir in chopped kale, spinach, or collard greens during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
  • Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Make it smoky: Use smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke or add a smoked vegan sausage for a heartier meal.
  • Serve with grains: This recipe pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or your favorite whole grain.
  • Batch cooking: This dish freezes well, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 13 g
Carbohydrates 35 g
Fiber 8 g
Fat 3.5 g
Sodium 450 mg
Iron 3.5 mg (20% DV)
Vitamin C 15 mg (25% DV)

Serving Suggestions

This black eyed peas dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods. Serve it over fluffy black beans and rice for a satisfying vegan meal.

Alternatively, spoon it alongside some roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a lighter option.

For a Southern-inspired twist, serve the peas with cornbread or vegan biscuits. It also makes a fantastic filling for stuffed bell peppers or wraps.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon or lime for a bright finish.

Conclusion

Cooking black eyed peas in the Instant Pot is a simple way to enjoy a nutritious and delicious vegan meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe highlights the natural earthiness of black eyed peas, enhanced with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, creating a dish that’s both comforting and wholesome.

The convenience of the Instant Pot means you can have dinner ready quickly, perfect for busy evenings or meal prep.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of legumes or trying them for the first time, this recipe is approachable and adaptable, allowing you to make it your own. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious dishes like the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a rich vegan pasta sauce, or indulge your sweet tooth with the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe—both perfect complements to your wholesome cooking journey!

📖 Recipe Card: Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot Recipe Vegan

Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan black eyed peas recipe cooked quickly in the Instant Pot. Perfect as a nutritious main or side dish.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black eyed peas, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
  3. Add smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper; stir well.
  4. Add rinsed black eyed peas, vegetable broth, and bay leaf.
  5. Close lid and set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 20 minutes.
  6. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  7. Remove bay leaf, stir, and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 13g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 35g

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Marta K

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