Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Ham: A Lucky New Year’s Tradition for Prosperity

Stepping into a New Year always brings with it a sense of hope and anticipation. For many, especially across the Southern United States, welcoming the fresh start involves a delicious and deeply symbolic culinary tradition: eating black eyed peas on the first day of January. This practice isn’t just about enjoying a hearty meal; it’s believed to usher in good luck, fortune, and prosperity for the entire year ahead. Our Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe offers the perfect blend of a comforting, salty heartiness with a subtle, optional spicy kick, ensuring your year begins on the most flavorful note possible. If you ask us, the promise of good luck and prosperity has never tasted quite this good!

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Ham: A Timeless Culinary Legacy

For countless families, including ours, the New Year’s Day table simply isn’t complete without a steaming plate of black eyed peas simmered with ham, served over fluffy rice, and accompanied by tender collard greens. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a cherished ritual, a delicious link to history and an optimistic nod to the future. Each element on the plate carries its own unique symbolism, deeply rooted in traditions that span generations and continents.

Beyond the black eyed peas themselves being a harbinger of good luck and financial success, the addition of collard greens is particularly significant. With their vibrant green hue, collard greens are said to represent money, ensuring wealth and financial abundance in the coming year. When combined, these two humble yet powerful ingredients transform a simple meal into a potent symbol of hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Black eyed peas, a beloved legume, hold a prominent place in New Year’s traditions and cultural narratives far beyond just the American South. Their journey is a testament to their resilience and adaptability, originating in Africa where they were cultivated for thousands of years. From there, they found their way into various Judean traditions, notably Rosh Hashanah, before eventually making their way to the Southern United States. Here, they became a cornerstone of culinary practices, evolving into a way to honor the rich and complex culinary traditions of enslaved Africans.

This heat-loving crop proved to be incredibly vital, capable of thriving even during times of severe food insecurity, whether caused by devastating droughts or the ravages of war. Because of their ability to provide sustenance and nourishment under challenging conditions, black eyed peas became revered as a “food of fortune”—a source of comfort, energy, and hope during hardship. This historical context imbues every bite with a deeper meaning, reminding us of resilience and perseverance.

In the United States, black eyed peas played a crucial role in the diets of both enslaved Africans and many white southerners, particularly during the tumultuous period of the Civil War. Initially, they were often dismissed as a “poor man’s food,” a humble crop readily available and inexpensive. However, their pervasive presence and the sustenance they provided eventually led to a shift in perception. Over time, black eyed peas became more common and were increasingly viewed as a blessing, a symbol of survival, and a harbinger of better times.

The enduring tradition of eating black eyed peas on New Year’s Day remains incredibly persistent in the Southern states, a cultural anchor that binds communities and families. Its reach has also extended to some Northern areas, largely due to the Great Migration, where African Americans carried their cherished traditions with them, spreading this delicious symbol of hope and prosperity across the nation. Today, it’s a universal symbol of a fresh start and good fortune.

Now that we’ve delved into the rich history and deep symbolism behind this beloved dish, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Let’s transform these humble legumes into a magnificent meal that promises a year filled with good luck and deliciousness.

Why Choose the Instant Pot for Your Black Eyed Peas?

While traditional methods of cooking black eyed peas can be quite time-consuming, often requiring hours of simmering on the stovetop, the Instant Pot revolutionizes the process. This modern kitchen appliance is a game-changer, especially for busy individuals who still want to embrace deeply rooted traditions without sacrificing precious time. The Instant Pot drastically cuts down on cooking time, delivering tender, perfectly cooked black eyed peas in a fraction of the time it would take conventionally.

Beyond speed, the Instant Pot excels at infusing flavors. The sealed, high-pressure environment forces the delicious essences of the ham hock, tomatoes, and broth deep into every pea, resulting in a rich, complex, and incredibly satisfying dish. Plus, it’s a mostly hands-off cooking experience. Once you set it, you can focus on other New Year’s Day preparations or simply relax, knowing a delicious and lucky meal is being expertly prepared with minimal fuss. No more constant stirring or worrying about boil-overs!

One of the best advantages of using the Instant Pot for this recipe is the ability to cook dried black eyed peas without any pre-soaking. Traditional recipes often call for an overnight soak, which requires forethought and planning. The high-pressure setting in the Instant Pot eliminates this need, breaking down the peas quickly and efficiently, making this iconic New Year’s dish accessible even if you decide to make it at the last minute.

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas and Ham Recipe

This recipe is designed to serve a crowd, making it perfect for New Year’s gatherings or for enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week. It yields approximately 12 generous servings, ensuring there’s enough luck and flavor to go around.

Ingredients

16 ounce bag of dried black-eyed peas: No need to pre-soak when using the Instant Pot! Simply rinse them thoroughly under cold water before adding to the pot.
1 ham hock: This is the secret to a deep, smoky, and savory flavor. A smoked ham hock adds incredible richness and complexity that truly elevates the dish.
10 ounce can diced tomatoes with jalapeños (or hot Rotel): For that perfect spicy kick and a touch of acidity to balance the richness. Adjust to your preference – use mild Rotel for less heat.
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies: Adds another layer of tomato flavor and a very subtle warmth, complementing the spicier tomatoes without overpowering the dish.
32 ounces chicken broth: The liquid base that provides flavor and ensures the peas cook perfectly. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or even water if preferred, though broth adds more depth.
1 stalk celery, chopped: A classic aromatic that adds freshness and a subtle earthy note to the peas.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning. Remember to taste and adjust at the end, as the ham hock and broth contribute significant saltiness.

Instructions

Prepare and Combine Ingredients: First, ensure your dried black eyed peas are rinsed thoroughly under cold running water. Once rinsed, add all the listed ingredients – the black eyed peas, ham hock, both cans of diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and chopped celery – directly into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Secure the Lid and Seal: Place the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring it is properly secured and locked into place. Rotate the pressure release valve to the “Sealing” position. This is crucial for building and maintaining pressure within the pot.
Set Cooking Time: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on your Instant Pot. Set the cooking time for 30 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to come up to pressure before the 30-minute countdown begins.
Allow Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Do not immediately open the valve. Allow for a slow, natural pressure release (NPR) for at least 15-20 minutes, or even a full natural release if you have the time. This helps the peas finish cooking gently and prevents them from bursting. After the natural release, if any pressure remains, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release the rest before opening the lid.
Stir, Season, and Serve: Carefully remove the lid. The ham hock may have released from the bone; you can remove the bone and any excess fat, shredding the tender ham meat back into the peas if desired. Give the black eyed peas a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your lucky, delicious meal!

Don’t let this recipe slip away! If you’re not making these incredible Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Ham right this second, make sure to pin this post to your favorite recipe board so you can easily find it later for your New Year’s celebration or any time you crave a comforting, flavorful dish!

Essential Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Achieving the perfect pot of black eyed peas is simple with the Instant Pot, but a few tips can elevate your dish from good to unforgettable. Understanding these nuances will help you customize the recipe to your exact preferences and ensure consistently delicious results every time.

On Soaking: To Soak or Not to Soak?

One of the common questions when cooking dried beans is about soaking. For Instant Pot black eyed peas, pre-soaking is generally not required. The high-pressure environment effectively softens the peas without prior hydration, saving you valuable time. However, if you prefer to soak them (e.g., to reduce cooking time slightly or to potentially improve digestibility), you can soak them for a few hours or overnight. If soaked, you might reduce the high-pressure cooking time to 20-25 minutes, but always check for tenderness.

Achieving the Right Consistency

The liquid-to-pea ratio is crucial for the desired consistency. This recipe aims for a hearty, slightly thick stew. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a little extra broth or water after the cooking is complete and the pressure has been released. Conversely, if your peas are too watery, you can set the Instant Pot to sauté mode (without the lid) for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Flavor Enhancers and Variations

While the ham hock provides a robust flavor, you can enhance the aromatics further. Consider sautéing a chopped onion and a few cloves of minced garlic in a tablespoon of oil using the Instant Pot’s sauté function before adding the other ingredients. A chopped bell pepper can also add a nice sweetness and depth. For an extra layer of flavor, a bay leaf or a pinch of smoked paprika can be added along with the other ingredients.

Adjusting the Spice Level

The diced tomatoes with jalapeños provide a moderate heat. If you love a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or even an extra chopped jalapeño (seeds included for maximum heat). For a milder version, simply use two cans of mild diced tomatoes or reduce the amount of jalapeño-infused tomatoes.

Ham Hock Alternatives

If a ham hock isn’t available or if you prefer an alternative, smoked turkey legs or necks are excellent substitutes that still impart a wonderful smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a hint of smoky flavor, and perhaps some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra umami and texture.

Serving Your Lucky Black Eyed Peas

Serving black eyed peas is an art form in itself, especially when adhering to Southern traditions that promise an even greater bounty of luck and prosperity. The way you present and accompany this dish can enhance both its flavor and its symbolic power.

The Classic Southern Trinity

The most iconic way to serve black eyed peas on New Year’s Day is as part of a “lucky trinity.” This includes serving them over a bed of fluffy white rice, symbolizing an increase in wealth and abundance. Alongside, a generous portion of collard greens (representing money) is a must. And to complete the experience, a warm slice of cornbread often makes an appearance, sometimes said to represent gold, soaking up all the delicious juices and rounding out the meal perfectly.

Other Delicious Accompaniments

Beyond the traditional trinity, there are many ways to personalize your serving experience. A dash of hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Crystal) can add a bright, vinegary kick that complements the richness of the peas. Chopped raw onions or pickled jalapeños offer a fresh, sharp contrast in texture and flavor. Some enjoy a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for an added herbaceous note.

Creative Leftover Ideas

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and with a recipe serving 12, you likely will!), black eyed peas are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed cold in a “Hoppin’ John” salad, mixed with diced red onion, bell pepper, and a vinaigrette. They also make a fantastic base for a hearty soup or can be mashed slightly and formed into vegetarian patties for a unique sandwich filling. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.

The Enduring Legacy of Black Eyed Peas

More than just a simple legume, black eyed peas represent a rich tapestry of history, resilience, and hope. From their African origins to their pivotal role in American Southern cuisine, they carry stories of survival, community, and the persistent human desire for a better tomorrow. This Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Ham recipe isn’t just about feeding your body; it’s about feeding your spirit with the promise of good fortune and connection to a meaningful past.

So, as you gather around your table on New Year’s Day, or any day you crave comfort and flavor, remember the journey of these humble peas. May each spoonful of this delicious, easy-to-make dish bring you not only immense satisfaction but also a year filled with happiness, health, and abundant prosperity. Here’s to good luck, great food, and cherished traditions!