Instant Pot Southern Black Eyed Peas (Gluten Free)

Looking for a quick and easy way to whip up a classic Southern dish? This Instant Pot black eyed peas recipe is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights or as a nutritious addition to your New Year’s celebration, these black eyed peas are cooked to perfection with the help of your Instant Pot (with no soaking required)!

Packed with flavor from smoked ham, garlic, and a blend of spices, this gluten-free dish is both hearty and healthy. Ready in just about an hour, it significantly cuts down the traditional cooking time, making it an ideal choice for those looking to save time without compromising on taste. Dive into this guide to discover how simple and satisfying cooking black eyed peas can be when you let your Instant Pot do the heavy lifting.

Keep reading for the step by step directions with pictures to make this no soak black eyed peas recipe with bacon and ham

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this black eyed peas recipe:
• Are black eyed peas gluten-free?
• Do I need to soak black eyed peas before cooking them?
• 🍽Equipment for instant post black eyed peas
• 🥘Ingredients for Southern Black Eyed Peas
• 🔪How do you cook black eyed peas in an instant pot?
• Instant Southern Pot Black Eyed Peas {Gluten-Free}

The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research.  Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here. 

Why you'll love this black eyed peas recipe:

• This southern-style recipe is packed with flavor from cooking with bacon and ham
• It's the perfect traditional New Year's recipe (just showing my Texas roots!)
• Black eyed peas are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin A
• There's no overnight soaking required, and this recipe takes under an hour from start to finish!

This recipe for instant pot black eyed peas and ham makes a delicious side dish or even a meal when paired with some gluten-free cornbread.

Are black eyed peas gluten-free?

Yes, black eyed peas are gluten-free. However, dried beans do have the potential to become cross-contacted with gluten during processing.

For best practices, always:

1. look for an allergen warning--if it says 'contains wheat' avoid it,
2. always sort through your peas or beans and remove anything errant grains, and
3. avoid bulk bins where you can scoop them yourself. These are much more likely to come into cross contact with gluten containing grains in the storeroom or by customers dropping something into the wrong bin.

I use Camellia brand. Not only are they affordable, but Camellia brand labels their black eyed peas and other dried beans as gluten-free. You can find them at Amazon by clicking here.

Do I need to soak black eyed peas before cooking them?

Traditionally yes, but thanks to the instant-pot--not any more! Pressure cooking the beans means all you have to do is rinse the dried beans, remove any stones, and you can get straight to cooking!

🍽Equipment for instant post black eyed peas

To make these hearty black eyed peas with ham you only need a few pieces of equipment:

• Instant Pot. To make this one pan, you need an instant pot with the sauté function. There are so many options, but click here for the highest reviewed instant pots on Amazon.
• Fine mesh strainer. I use this one for rinsing the black eyed peas.
• Spatula. You'll need this to sauté the bacon and onions.
• Measuring cups and spoons. I mean, if you wanna just estimate adding a dash of this and a dash of that... you do you 😉

🥘Ingredients for Southern Black Eyed Peas

The ingredients to make these tasty black eyed peas can be found at your local grocery store, but you'll find great deals on gluten-free ingredients such as gluten-free spices and gluten-free chicken stock online at Thrive Market.

You'll need:

• Dried Black Eyed Peas. I use Camellia brand because they aren't processed with wheat and are super affordable on Amazon here.
• Ham hocks.
• Bacon.
• Onion. (hey--do you hate chopping onion too? Try frozen diced onion!)
• Minced garlic.
• Dried thyme. I love Badia brand because they are certified gluten-free.
• Crushed red pepper flakes. I choose Badia brand for this too!
• Pepper. I use Badia for pepper--you'd be surprised how many brands of pepper are processed with wheat!
• Bay Leaves. Again, I use Badia (can you tell they're my go to for gf spices?)
• Chicken Stock. (Want to use bouillon instead? No problem! Check out this post for the best gluten-free bouillon brands!)

🔪How do you cook black eyed peas in an instant pot?

Cooking black eyed peas in the instant pot is so simple, and very similar to the directions you'd use to prepare other beans, such as these Instant Pot Pinto Beans.

First, gather all your ingredients and prepare your black eyed peas by rinsing them under cool water and removing any stones. I use a fine mesh strainer for this.

Then, put your Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add your chopped bacon and onions and sauté until the bacon in rendered and the onions are translucent.

At this point, add your garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for just another minute. Then hit 'cancel' to turn off the sauté function.

Add all of the remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot. Put the lid on it and lock it into place.

Cook on high pressure mode for just 15 minutes (I know it sounds crazy, but the Instant pot works so quickly!)

When the timer goes off, allow it to naturally release the pressure for 10-15 minutes. Vent any remaining steam by moving the vent to "venting." note of warning: be sure to cover your hand with a towel or hot pad so the steam doesn't burn.... don't ask me how I know this.🙈

Once venting is complete, carefully remove the lid.

Fish out the ham hock and bay leaves. If you want, shred the ham off the bone, chop it, and put it back in with the black eyed peas.

Stir everything to fluff it and season to taste with salt and pepper.

I love to serve this with gluten-free cornbread. Beans + corn combine to make a complete protein!

Scroll down for the printable recipe

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Here's some other gluten-free recipes that you will love:

• 10 Minute Chicken Fried Rice (made with leftovers!)
• Southwestern Quinoa Salad with Zesty Dressing
• 4 Ingredient Banana Pancake Dippers
• Crockpot Chili made with Green Chilies

Thanks for trying this pressure cooker black eyed peas recipe!