Instant Pot Back Eyed Peas for Luck
- tracylong4
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
I’ve always loved the traditions tied to food—especially during the holidays. There’s something deeply comforting about returning to familiar recipes year after year, meals that mark time and give shape to our celebrations. They slow us down, invite reflection, and remind us that nourishment is about more than what’s on our plate—it’s about connection, meaning, and intention.
One of my favorite New Year’s traditions is serving black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. This humble, compact little bean has long been associated with good luck, prosperity, and abundance in the year ahead—and honestly, who couldn’t use a little extra of that as we step into a new chapter? For me, this dish has become less about superstition and more about ritual: a way to pause, reflect on the year behind me, and set intentions for the one unfolding.
This recipe is one I return to again and again because it’s simple, nourishing, and grounding—exactly what I want at the start of a new year. I use one of my favorite kitchen tools, my Instant Pot, which makes this dish almost effortless. With minimal prep, very little cleanup, and plenty of hands-off cooking time, it’s the kind of recipe that allows you to enjoy the day rather than spend it in the kitchen.
From a nutrition perspective, black-eyed peas are a beautiful food to welcome the new year. They’re rich in plant-based protein and fiber, which support steady blood sugar, digestive health, and lasting energy—something many of us crave after the indulgence of the holidays. They also provide important micronutrients like folate, magnesium, and iron, which play key roles in metabolic health, cardiovascular support, and overall vitality. When paired with simple aromatics and cooked gently in the Instant Pot, this dish becomes an easy, grounding way to nourish your body while supporting energy, satiety, and resilience as you step into the year ahead.
Whether you’re honoring a long-standing tradition or starting a new one of your own, I hope this black-eyed pea recipe brings warmth, ease, and maybe even a little extra luck to your New Year’s Day. Here’s to beginning the year well-nourished—in body, heart, and spirit.
1
Tips
For a smoky flavor, use smoked bacon and add a bit more smoked paprika. You can also omit the bacon for a vegetarian version and use a bit of liquid smoke.
2
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of greens like collard greens or Swiss chard.
Notes
1
Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water and set aside.
2
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy. Drain the fat.
3
Remove the bacon and set aside, you can leave a bit of the fat in the pot or use avocado oil.
4
Sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
5
Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
6
Add rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken broth, water, cooked bacon and tomatoes. Stir to combine ingredients well.
7
Cancel the sauté mode and lock the Instant Pot lid. Set it to 'Pressure Cook' on high for 18 minutes.
8
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
9
Stir in chopped greens. I used frozen spinach and it worked well too. Let them cook in the residual heat until the greens are wilted.
10
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Instructions
1 pound black-eyed peas (dried)
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups fresh greens (kale or spinach), chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 Cups Broth
1 Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
1 Cup Water or Additional Broth
2 TBL Balsamic Vinegar
2 Bay Leaves
Main Ingredients
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Bacon and Greens
Curious Cook
Tracy Long
A savory and wholesome dish featuring black-eyed peas, crispy bacon, and fresh greens, cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Servings :
6
Calories:
300
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
50 mins
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