Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?

You absolutely can, but it changes the whole game. If you're in a pinch, drain and rinse 3 cans of black-eyed peas, then reduce the broth to 1 cup. Pressure cook for just 5 minutes - any longer and they'll turn to mush. But between you and me? The dried peas give that perfect creamy texture that makes this Hoppin' John so special.

How do I make my black-eyed peas spicier?

Oh honey, this is where the fun begins. For heat that builds, add a diced jalapeño with the other veggies (leave the seeds in if you're brave). Want instant kick? Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne or red pepper flakes before cooking. My cousin swears by adding a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce - just one will smoke up the whole pot in the best way.

Why are my peas still hard after cooking?

First - don't panic. Older dried peas can take longer to soften. Just lock the lid back on and pressure cook for another 3-5 minutes. Next time, try soaking them overnight or adding 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the cooking water (an old Southern trick that speeds things up).

Can I make this with meat for New Year's luck?

Absolutely, Toss in a ham hock or smoked turkey wing with the other ingredients - it'll infuse the whole pot with rich flavor. Just fish it out before serving and shred any meat back into the peas. Vegetarian but want that smoky taste? A teaspoon of liquid smoke works magic without the meat.

Is there a way to make this recipe faster?

For a 15-minute express version, use an Instant Pot Quick Soak: Cover dried peas with water, pressure cook 2 minutes, then let sit 15 minutes before draining. Then proceed with the recipe as written - they'll cook in about half the time. Just don't tell my grandma I shared this shortcut.

Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas: Soul-Warming Southern Comfort -

Name: Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas: Soul-Warming Southern Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas: Soul-Warming Southern Comfort

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A quick and easy Instant Pot recipe for black-eyed peas, also known as Hoppin’ John, perfect for New Year’s Day or any time you want a hearty meal.

Author: RecipeZest
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pressure Cook
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

Soak the peas overnight for a creamier texture.
Add diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Serve over rice for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://recipeszest.com/instant-pot-black-eyed-peas-hoppin-john-recipe/