You Won’t Believe How Fast Black Eyed Peas Cook in Your Instant Pot!

Ready for a game-changing cooking hack? If you love BBP-style comfort food but hate spending hours on the stove, think no more—your Instant Pot makes cooking Black Eyed Peas a breeze, faster than you ever imagined.

In this article, we’ll break down the quick and delicious way to prepare these protein-packed legumes—faster than you’d believe—using just your Instant Pot. Whether you're a busy parent, a student, or a meal-prep junkie, this is the secret shortcut to enjoying home-cooked, restaurant-worthy meals in record time.

Understanding the Context


Why Cooking Black Eyed Peas Conventionally Takes Time

Traditionally, black-eyed peas require long simmering, often 1 to 2 hours on the stove to become tender and flavorful. This often means soaking overnight, prepping, and waiting patiently. But what if you could cut that time in half—sometimes even cooking them in under 20 minutes?

The Instant Pot changes everything. With its high-pressure technology, your Instant Pot ruptures cells and speeds up cooking without sacrificing texture or taste.

Key Insights


The Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Method: Fast and Easy

Here’s how to whip up perfectly tender black-eyed peas in a fraction of the time:

What You’ll Need:

  • Dried or pre-packaged black-eyed peas (about ½ cup dried or 2 cups canned)
  • Water or broth (1–2 cups, dependending on recipe)
  • Optional: salt, onion, garlic, cumin, olive oil, or coconut milk for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Final Thoughts

  1. Pressure cook dried peas
    If using dried, add to a clean pot, cover with 4 inches of water, and bring to boiling. Reduce heat to maintain pressure (usually about 25–30 minutes), or use the “Quick Cook” button if your model supports it.

  2. Fast-forward with Instant Pot’s Pressure Cook Mode
    Once tender (check at 20 minutes), switch to Quick Release or Natural Release. Most recipes complete in just 18–22 minutes total, including soaking (if dry).

  3. Stir in aromatics and seasonings
    To enhance flavor, sauté minced garlic and onion in a little oil, then add the peas along with water or broth and your choice of spices. Let it simmer in pressure for the remaining time.

  4. Quick serve or enjoy as a side
    Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or lime, and serve hot.


How Fast Is “Fast”? Real Results in Under 20 Minutes

With the right rice-to-water ratio and pressure, black-eyed peas transform from tough and chewy to melt-in-your-mouth tender in under 20 minutes. The Instant Pot’s sealed system uses steam pressure to break down fibers rapidly, preserving nutrients and natural flavor. This method saves time and energy—no starting or waiting for multiple pots!


Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

  • Soft vs. firm texture: For creamier mash-like peas, add a splash more broth and pressure cook longer (up to 10 minutes).
  • Reuse leftovers: Cooked BBP retain great texture after reheating—perfect for lunches.
  • Customize flavors: Add coconut milk or tomato paste for richness, or smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
  • No soaking needed? Like many legumes, you can cook dried peas directly if you’re short on time—just add extra water and check tenderness regularly.