How Long to Cook Black Eyed Peas

This is how long to cook black eyed peas on stove, in pressure cooker or slow cooker is here! How to boil them to tender with ham hocks or without meat free.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Black Eyed Peas

We shared this how long do beans take to cook chart here a while back. That is certainly handy to have but thought we would go into detail about this one in particular. You may have had these on a trip down South and thought “how amazing are these?” Wondering how to cook them at home is where I was at for a while. Then I tried it out.

The timing depends on the cooking method you would prefer, if you added another ingredient like Black Eyed Peas and Rice. We will go over the 3 most popular here. Dried beans is what I am focusing on while touching on fresh and frozen too. All are considered to be good luck for the year or day you eat them. I mean, it’s worth a try right??

How to Cook Fresh Black-Eyed Peas

Now we live in a small town so there is NO way I would ever find these fresh, but you might. I mean I had a hard time finding rhubarb one time, I mean….. Now the timing for this would be the same for fresh as well as bagged and frozen black eyed peas as those are already soaked and precooked but need to get tender.

1. Once peas have come to a boil in a large pot cover and reduce heat to medium low
2. Cook until peas are tender, 20 to 25 minutes
   • you can add pieces of collard greens 10 minutes before done if you would like too

How to Cook Dry Black Eyed Peas

Now Instant Pot cooking times for beans is faster because it is under high pressure. If you do not have that machine, or just want to use your stove we will go over the basics here below. I do have both but depending on what the main dish is I might choose one over the other.

• Add peas to a colander and rinse well, removing any stones or bad peas and discarding them.
• Place peas, chicken broth, water and 1/2 teaspoon salt into a large saucepan and heat over medium high heat until boiling.
  • ** If you want to add 1-2 ham hocks do so with the other ingredients
• Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to low to continuously simmer.
• Simmer for 1 hour, to 1 hour 20 minutes until peas are tender to your preferences and cooked.
• Remove from heat and stir in fresh spinach leaves until wilted if you would like to include that. Serve seasoned with salt and pepper. 
  • ** If you added ham hocks remove and cut meat away from bones with a knife, put meat back into pot and throw away bones.

If you soak beans overnight beforehand you reduce the cooking time by half! Something to consider for timing and gut reasons. Many say soaked is easier on their bellies when consumed.

Pressure Cooker Black Eyed Peas

Now with this one we are just talking about the basics but if you believe in the “magic” and luck of eating these in the New Year we do have that too. If so follow our Instant Pot Hoppin John dish, so delish.

1. Stovetop Method:
   • Soak the black-eyed peas overnight or use the quick soak method (bring them to a boil, remove from heat, and let them sit for 1 hour).
   • We will explain this step further in the recipe card below
2. Pressure Cooker Method:
   • We use a no soak method here in our Instant Pot black eyed peas and ham recipe
   • If you soak the black-eyed peas overnight
   • Drain and rinse
   • Place in the pressure cooker and add enough water to cover them by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
   • Typically, to tender takes around 8 to 10 minutes at high pressure.
   • Allow the pressure to naturally release for a few minutes before using a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
   • We have a slow cooker hoppin John recipe here too
3. Slow Cooker Method:
   • Soak the black-eyed peas overnight or use the quick soak method.
   • Drain and rinse the peas.
   • Then follow our Crockpot black eyed peas recipe here

Remember to check them periodically while cooking to ensure they reach your desired level of tenderness. Like our Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage doesn’t take long with canned. The exact cooking time can vary based on the age and size of the peas, so it’s essential to monitor them during the cooking process.

How to Season Black Eyed Peas without Meat

Now if you ask me, ham hocks are a must. With them you really don’t need any seasonings at all as those flavors from them being smoked ahead of time is enough, and so delicious.

1. Start by sautéing or cooking aromatics like onions, garlic, and shallots in a little oil or butter. These ingredients provide a flavorful base for your dish.
2. You can use a combination of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the black-eyed peas. Here are some options:
   • Adding Southern favorite herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of dried oregano are great.
   • Use spices like cumin, paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to add warmth and depth of flavor.
   • Add freshness with chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions as a garnish or during cooking.
3. Instead of using meat-based broths or stocks, opt for vegetable broth or stock to cook the black-eyed peas. It will add flavor and depth to the dish.
4. Add depth of flavor by including liquid seasonings such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or liquid smoke (if you enjoy a smoky flavor).
5. Brighten the flavors by incorporating acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar. A splash of apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar can bring a tangy note to the dish.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed during cooking.
7. While not necessary, you can include additional vegetables like bell peppers, celery, carrots, or tomatoes to add more flavor and texture.

Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go along to achieve the desired flavor. Feel free to experiment and adjust the seasonings according to your personal preferences.

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