Instant Pot Black eyed peas stew with spinach is a wholesome meal that is flavorful, hearty and healthy. It is one of the dish to make when you are craving comfort food. You will love the variation of flavors to this classic soul food.
The creamy texture of the black eyed peas balances well with smoky flavors of the seasoning. I am including instructions to make this recipe using electric pressure cooker like Instant Pot or on the Stove top. This side dish is fusion version of southerner new year's day favorite.
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Similar to our Indian Black Eyed Peas Coconut Curry , pair this hearty stew with Easy Homemade Cornbread or Sweet Potato Wedges for a meal that will keep you feeling lucky and happy all year long.
This vegetarian black eyed peas hoppin' john recipe is gluten free, soy free, dairy free and vegan.
Many folks eat black eyed peas on New Years. It is believed that eating them brings in good luck in the year. This 'must have recipe' however, can be enjoyed through out the year.
Ingredients
Exact measurements for each ingredients is listed in the recipe card at the end. Here's more information about the ingredients I used and ideas for substitutions.
- Black Eyed Peas : 1 cup dry Black Eyed Peas. Rinse them well in cold water before using.
- Vegetables : I am using fresh baby spinach. You can also use collard greens or kale leaves. Also using one medium red onion and 2-3 medium sized Roma tomatoes for making the sauce.
- Seasoning : For the earthy rich and complex flavors, I am using, coriander cumin powder along with smoked paprika and turmeric powder. Couple of bay leaves add to the savory flavor. ( make sure to discard them before eating) I also like to add a good dash of Chili lime seasoning. You can use chili powder and lime juice if you don't have this seasoning easily available. Grated ginger and minced garlic is used to enhance the savory delicious flavors further.
- Other Ingredients : I prefer to use neutral cooking oil like avocado oil or olive oil to make this stew. I also add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds while cooking beans and legumes. A teaspoon of brown cane sugar is used to balance all the flavors. A splash of lemon juice adds a refreshing taste to this earthy stew.
How to Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe?
Set Instant Pot on medium on Sauté. Wait few minutes so it heats up. Add oil. Wait for few seconds so the oil warms up. Then add in the ginger and garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add onions and sauté for few minutes till onions are tender. Mix in the tomato and cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
Now add all the spices, salt and sugar and mix well. Add black eyed peas and water. Mix well.
Cancel sauté function. Close the lid of Instant Pot. Vent knob in Sealing position.
Press Pressure Cook Button, set on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Allow NPR. Natural pressure release. Open the lid. Add spinach and lemon juice and mix well again. Serve warm. Enjoy!
What's the best water to beans ratio for smoothly cooked beans?
As a general guideline, we use 2:1 ratio of cups of water to pre-soaked beans. You should use 3 : 1 cup ratio if beans are not pre-soaked.
This ratio gives good consistency in cooking and gives smooth texture. If you are looking for more liquid soup like consistency, add more water.
Pro Tips
- Whenever I am making curry / stew with beans, I prefer to mash some beans with spatula while stirring when they are cooked. The gravy in any curry gets awesome creamy and fullness from the mushed up beans.
- You can also add celery, bell pepper, tomato paste for the favoring.
- The gravy will thicken slightly and give a nice consistency and texture. You don't need to add any thickening agent or cream .
- Leftovers of this Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe taste amazing. For storage, use air tight containers and refrigerate it up to a week.
- Serve it with rice, roti's, bread, or with salad. My favorite pairing is Turmeric Lemon Rice and Creamy Potato Salad. Hope you enjoy making this dish.
Our Delicious Comfort Food Recipes
- Chickpea Coconut Curry
- Instant Pot Dal Makhani
- Lentil Quinoa Soup
- White Beans and Spinach Soup
- Red Beans Curry -Rajma Chawal
- Vegan Enchilada Rice
Recipe FAQs
Loaded with good plant based protein and high fiber, Black eyed peas also provide zinc, B complex, iron and calcium. Their complex protein and carbohydrates are a great addition to any diet. It also contains a significant amount of flavonoids that help protect against cardiovascular diseases. No wonder these charming beans are considered your "Good Luck Charm" !
Traditionally in Indian cooking, a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds are often added while cooking any beans, lentils and legumes. It's believed that fenugreek seeds help body break down the fiber and protein. It there by, helps to minimize the digestive issues. So, it is optional but I often add fenugreek seeds while cooking / soaking beans, lentils and legumes.
Typically, I like to soak the beans for 4-5 hours before I cook them. They almost double in size and volume when soaked. So if you are cooking soaked beans, please adjust water accordingly. Often, I decide what to make in the morning and then its easy to plan and soak and do the prep work for it quickly.
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Black Eyed Peas
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth for cooking
- 1 cup spinach or kale leaves
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2-3 medium size tomatoes finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 inch grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds optional use it while cooking or soaking.
- 1 Tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon coriander cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1-2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ½ teaspoon Chili lime seasoning -adjust per your spice tolerance
- 1 teaspoon raw or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt adjust per taste
Garnishes
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped cilantro
- onion and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Stew?
- Set Instant Pot on medium on Sauté,. When it displays HOT, add oil. Add in the ginger and garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add onions, sprinkle some salt and sauté for few minutes till onions are tender. Add in the tomato and cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Add all the spices, salt and sugar and mix well. Add black eyed peas and water. Mix well.
- Cancel sauté function. Close the lid of Instant Pot. Press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK mode set on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Allow NPR ..natural pressure release.
- Open the lid. Add chopped spinach and lemon juice. Give it a good stir so that all the ingredients are mixed well. Your healthy one pot meal is ready to enjoy !
How to Make Black Eyed Peas Stew on Stove Top
- Use a heavy bottom pan and start on medium heat. Add oil and let it warm up for 30 seconds. Add in the ginger and garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add onions, sprinkle some salt and sauté for few minutes till onions are tender. Add in the tomatoes and cook for 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
- Add all the spices salt and sugar and mix well. Add black eyed peas and water. Mix well. Close the lid and let it cook for 20-30 minutes until beans are soft and tender. CHeck in between to make sure there is enough water for cooking.
- Open the lid. Add spinach and lemon juice. Give it a good stir so that all the ingredients are mixed well. Your healthy one pot meal is ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Soaked Black Eyed Peas : 1 cup peas -2 cups water, 8-10 mins high pressure Instant Pot cooking
- Un-Soaked Black Eyed Peas : 1 cup peas -3 cups water, 15-20 mins high pressure Instant Pot cooking
- Frozen or Canned Black Eyed Peas : 1 cup peas -1 cup water, 5-8 mins high pressure Instant Pot cooking.
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More Hearty Stews
This recipe was originally published on June 23, 2018. It has been updated and revised on December 30, 2024.
Toni Furan
This is a great recipe for New Year’s Day…hoping for all forms of prosperity this year, especially in spirit! I used dried fenugreek leaves and doubled the measurement (2 tsps.). Had to use sun dried tomatoes when I found NO tomatoes on my counter and none canned in the pantry. It turned out great!
Heather
Quick question for Instant Pot cooking this. If I have frozen peas do I lower the cooking time?
admin
Yes reduce the cooking time. Choose just 5 minutes.
Lisa
Coming from a certain ethnic community, eating black eye peas on New Year's Day is said to bring Good Luck and Prosperity! I have never cooked Black Eye Peas, and thought I should try this slightly different take on an ethnic dish. I scored big time and my very picky eating family were surprised by this dish. And I was completely surprised that I did a nice job! Thanks..laisser le bon temps!
admin
So very happy to hear that. Thank you !
Mary
Seasoning : 2 tsp coriander cumin powder. Is that 2 tsp of each or 1 tsp each or is it either/ or?
admin
1 teaspoon of each works too
Stephanie
What would you do different for cooking in a stock pot on the stove or in crock pot for this recipe? Thank you!
admin
Not much different cooking technique but cover and cook covered until peas are tender
Cindy VanGundy
I love your recipes and look forward to trying them! Wish you were my mum and cooked for me every day. ?Thanks for sharing your wonderful cooking skills and recipes!
admin
Cindy, Thank you so much for lovely compliment. Enjoy making the recipes and keep loving.
Bil
Could one substitute canned or frozen black-eyed peas? If so what quantity and time adjustments would be required in each case. Sounds delicious.
admin
You can use frozen or canned black eyed peas. In InstantPot, they should cook on high pressure in 5-8 minutes.
Shellisa
I have not heard of Fenugreek seeds. While searching online, I found several online sources for both ground and whole seeds, but only one store that carries it in stock. However, they only carry the ground seeds, not the whole seeds. Does this make a difference?
admin
Ground Fenugreek seeds will work too. They tend to be quiet bitter in taste so use 1/4 teaspoon only