Best New Year Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe
The Best Black Eyed Peas Recipe for New Year’s Day (Or Any Day!)
I’ve got a confession: I’m a little late dropping this recipe, but I promise it was worth the wait. If you didn’t make your black-eyed peas for New Year’s, here’s your sign to get cooking. This recipe is seasoned just right, with the kind of flavor you want to carry you through the entire year. The combination of smoked turkey leg, rich broth, and a mix of veggies brings the kind of flavor that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds).
Flavorful Southern Tradition
If you’re from the South or have southern family roots like me, you know black-eyed peas are more than just a dish — they’re a tradition. Whether it’s New Year’s Day or a Sunday dinner, these little beans have a way of bringing warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of flavor to your table.
I know it might sound like a cliche, but there’s something special about eating black-eyed peas at the start of the new year — it’s a tradition that brings hope, good fortune, and prosperity. It’s one of those dishes that carries the weight of family history and good vibes, and it’s a meal that connects us to the generations that came before us.
From the seasoning to the smoked turkey leg, these black-eyed peas have it all. They’re a true reflection of the flavors that have been passed down through my family, especially from my Grandma Hattie. You won’t find a more flavorful, comforting version of black-eyed peas anywhere else — and once you make them, you’ll see why I say they taste like peace and prosperity.
The Magic of Black Eyed Peas
Growing up, black-eyed peas were a must-have at holiday meals. But they didn’t just show up for New Year’s Day. My Grandma Hattie, who was from from Arkansas, was one of the best cooks I’ve ever known. I learned a lot from her, and black-eyed peas were one of the first dishes I mastered when I got serious about cooking. She’d always ask me, “Did you bring me some peas?” whenever I’d visit her, and that was her stamp of approval — a way of letting me know I was “cookin’ cookin’.”
Ingredients for Southern Black Eyed Peas in the InstantPot
To make these black eyed peas as flavorful as possible, we’ll use fresh ingredients, season them perfectly, and let the InstantPot work its magic. Here's everything you’ll need:
For the Peas:
1 lb dried black eyed peas
8 cups chicken broth
1 smoked turkey leg
3 bay leaves
For the Sauté:
1/2 stick butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
4 ribs celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 white onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning Blend:
1/2 tablespoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon granulated onion
1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
How to Make Southern Black Eyed Peas in the InstantPot
Making these black eyed peas in the InstantPot is as simple as it gets. This method saves time without sacrificing flavor, and trust me, you’re gonna love how simple it is. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Prep the Peas
First, rinse your dried black-eyed peas thoroughly and pick through them to remove any stones or debris. This step is important to ensure that you’re left with nothing but good peas.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the butter and avocado oil. Once it’s hot, add the celery, green bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Let them cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of your flavor.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Now it’s time to build the flavor. Add the chicken broth, smoked turkey leg, bay leaves, and all your seasoning blend ingredients. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is when the magic happens, and you start to get that aroma that’ll have you looking forward to dinner.
Step 4: Cook the Peas
Add your rinsed black-eyed peas to the Instant Pot, making sure they’re fully submerged in the liquid. Close the lid, set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 35 minutes, and let it do its thing. The Instant Pot will work its magic and infuse the peas with all that smoky, savory goodness.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Once the timer goes off, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. When you open the lid, you’ll be greeted with a fragrant pot of perfectly cooked black-eyed peas.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s something magical about the combination of smoked turkey leg, seasoning, and the savory broth. Cooking the black eyed peas in the InstantPot allows the flavors to meld together quickly, giving you that rich, creamy texture without having to cook them for hours or soak your dried beans ahead of time. The smoked turkey leg adds that deep, smoky flavor that makes these peas stand out from the rest. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Black Eyed Peas 101: Questions That Need Answers
Q: Can I use frozen black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use frozen black-eyed peas, but keep in mind that they may not need as much cooking time. You can reduce the pressure cook time by about 10 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness as different brands of frozen peas can vary.
Q: Do I have to use a smoked turkey leg in this recipe?
While the smoked turkey leg adds a delicious, smoky flavor that makes this dish authentic, you can swap it for another smoked meat like ham hocks or sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth for flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a pressure cooker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can cook these black-eyed peas on the stove. It will take about 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering, so be prepared to keep an eye on the pot and check the peas for doneness. You’ll also want to soak your black eyed peas ahead of time in order to reduce cook time.
Q: Can I make these black-eyed peas ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead. The flavors often improve after sitting for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve, and you may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Q: What should I serve with these black-eyed peas?
Traditionally, black-eyed peas are served over white rice with cornbread on the side. You can also pair them with greens, fried chicken, or any Southern sides you love. Hot sauce is a must for a little extra kick!
5 Myths Busted About Black Eyed Peas
Myth: Black-eyed peas are only for New Year’s.
Fact: While it's true that black-eyed peas are a popular dish for New Year’s (a tradition for good luck), they’re delicious and comforting enough to enjoy year-round. They make a great side dish for any Southern meal or even as a standalone meal.
Myth: Black-eyed peas are hard to cook.
Fact: Many people think cooking black-eyed peas from dried is a complicated process, but it’s actually quite simple! With the Instant Pot, you can cook dried peas to tender perfection in under an hour. No need to soak overnight either!
Myth: Black-eyed peas need to be soaked overnight.
Fact: While soaking dried peas can help reduce cooking time, it’s not a necessity, especially when using a pressure cooker. The Instant Pot does all the work for you, and you can skip the soaking step without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Myth: Black-eyed peas are bland without a lot of seasoning.
Fact: Black-eyed peas naturally absorb the flavors of the seasonings and meats they’re cooked with. A good seasoning blend (like the one in this recipe) combined with smoked turkey leg creates a deeply flavored dish without being bland.
Myth: Black-eyed peas should always be mushy.
Fact: Not at all! The ideal black-eyed peas should be tender, but not mushy. Cooking them in a pressure cooker helps them maintain their shape while becoming tender and creamy, so you get the perfect texture every time.
Perfect Pairings for Southern Black Eyed Peas
These black-eyed peas are delicious on their own, but if you’re like me, you know they’re even better served over a bed of fluffy white rice. Add a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little heat, and don’t forget a side of buttery hot water cornbread to round out the meal.
But honestly, these black-eyed peas are a perfect side dish to any Southern feast. Whether you’re serving them alongside fried chicken, collard greens, or pork chops, they’ll fit right in.
And just like that… It’s too easy!
You don’t need to wait for New Year’s to make these black-eyed peas. They’re perfect for any time of year when you want to enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish that’ll fill your home with warmth and good vibes.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s cook together. Save this recipe, share it with your people, and vibe with me in the kitchen to make some delicious Southern black-eyed peas.
Best New Year Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried blackeyed peas
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 smoked turkey leg
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/2 stick butter
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 ribs celery
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1/2 white onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Instructions
Notes
- Soak the Peas (Optional): While not required for the Instant Pot, soaking the blackeyed peas for 4-6 hours beforehand or overnight if cooking on the stove top can reduce cooking time and ensure a creamier texture.
- Blend Aromatics: Pureeing the celery, bell pepper, onion, and garlic creates a rich, flavorful base, so make sure the mixture is smooth for even flavor distribution.
- Taste & Adjust Seasoning: Once cooked, taste the peas and adjust the seasoning blend with extra salt, cajun seasoning, or chicken bouillon to match your flavor preference.
