Spicy Black Eyed Peas With Sausage
Black eyed peas are super healthy and this Instant Pot Spicy Black Eyed Peas recipe is one you will love. With a dash of spice this flavoursome recipe is one you will love to cook over and over again in your pressure cooker. Read on to learn how to cook black eyed peas the best way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Harmony: A blend of savory and smoky notes from andouille sausage, ham, and aromatic herbs creates a taste sensation.
- Effortless Preparation: With the convenience of the Instant Pot, this dish requires minimal hands-on time for a maximum flavor payoff.
- Versatile Comfort: Perfectly cooked black-eyed peas in a rich broth make this dish a comforting and versatile addition to your menu.

Ingredients For Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
- Dry Black-Eyed Peas: Nutrient-rich peas for creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- Olive Oil: Rich base, enhancing overall flavor.
- Onion, Diced: Sweet and savory depth to the dish.
- Andouille Sausage: Robust, smoky flavor from sliced and halved smoked sausage.
- Garlic, Minced: Bold, aromatic essence enhancing savory notes.
- Ham, Diced: Savory, salty element complementing other proteins.
- Chicken Broth: Liquid base for depth and well-cooked consistency.
- Bay Leaves: Enhance aroma with subtle herbal notes.
- Dried Thyme Leaves: Warm, earthy flavor complementing other herbs.
- Diced Tomatoes with Chiles: Zesty kick and depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, seasoning for flavor enhancement.

How To Cook Black Eyed Peas?
Using the saute mode, heat the electric pressure cooker until “hot.”

Add the olive oil, sausage, and onion.

Saute Onion
Saute until the onion is softened and the sausage is browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic.
To the electric pressure cooker, add the chicken broth and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to remove any cooked on bits. This is called deglazing.
Cancel the saute mode. Stir in the peas, bay leaves, thyme, and ham. Season with salt. Pour the tomatoes with chiles on top and do not stir.
Pressure Cook Your Black Eyed Peas
Place the lid on the electric pressure cooker and set the valve to sealing. Set the pressure cooker to “manual” or “pressure cook” for 20 minutes.
Naturally release for 15 minutes when the cook cycle is complete and then quick release the remaining pressure.
Remove the bay leaves and stir the peas before serving.

What To Serve With Spicy Black Eyed Peas?
- Cornbread: Classic cornbread is a perfect accompaniment, providing a slightly sweet and crumbly contrast to the spicy black-eyed peas.
- Rice: Serve the spicy black-eyed peas over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Collard Greens: Sautéed or braised collard greens add a nutritious and earthy element, balancing the heat of the peas.
- Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra brings a delightful crunch and complements the Southern-inspired flavors of the dish.
- Hot Sauce or Pickled Jalapenos: Offer hot sauce or pickled jalapenos on the side for those who want to add an extra kick to their plate.
- Sliced Tomatoes: Fresh sliced tomatoes provide a refreshing and cooling contrast to the spiciness.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole add a cool and creamy element, balancing the heat.
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh and oniony flavor that complements the dish.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt offers a cooling element to offset the spiciness.
- Cheese Grits: Creamy and cheesy grits serve as a comforting and hearty side dish that pairs well with the bold flavors.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables, such as okra or green beans, add a tangy and crunchy component to the meal.
- Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the black-eyed peas.
These side options complement the spicy black-eyed peas, offering a variety of textures and flavors to enhance your meal.

How To Store Black Eyed Peas?
To store, refrigerate spicy black-eyed peas in an airtight container for short-term use or freeze in labeled, freezer-safe containers for up to 3-4 months, ensuring a gentle thawing process before reheating.
Variations
Explore these enticing variations for your spicy black-eyed peas:
- Vegetarian Twist: Omit the meat and enhance the flavor with smoked paprika and vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Creole Flair: Add diced bell peppers, celery, and Cajun seasoning for a Creole-inspired kick.
- Coconut Infusion: Introduce coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist that mellows the spice.
- Smoky Chipotle Heat: Include chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and fiery flavor profile.
- Sweet and Spicy Mango: Toss in diced mango and a pinch of chili powder for a sweet and spicy fusion.
- Tomatillo Tang: Use tomatillos and green chilies for a tangy and zesty variation.
- Lime Cilantro Burst: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a burst of citrusy freshness.
- Indian Fusion: Infuse with garam masala, turmeric, and cumin for an aromatic and flavorful Indian-inspired twist.
Tailor these variations to your taste preferences, creating a diverse array of spicy black-eyed pea dishes to savor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need to Soak Black Eyed Peas?
Like most legumes, Black eyed peas can be soaked before cooking. Soaking black eyed peas helps to reduce cooking times as it rehydrates the peas prior to cooking. To soak your peas before cooking you simply place them in a bowl of water for over six hours.
However, for this particular recipe you don’t need to rehydrate or soak your black eyed peas. This recipe cooks the peas from dry and the liquid in the recipe and cooking times allows for. the peas to come out just right.
Are Black Eyed Peas Good for You?
As with all legumes, black-eyed peas are a great source of soluble fibre, which helps prevent type 2 diabetes and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Black eyed peas are very nutritious and high in folate, manganese and vitamin A. One cup of black eyed peas has zero fat and is only 160 calories.
Can I Use Canned Black Eyed Peas?
Yes, you can use the canned version in this recipe. However, if you have the time, I recommend using dried as they will give the dish a better flavor.
Are Black Eyed Peas Actually Peas?
No, black eyed peas are actually beans.

Instant Pot Spicy Black Eyed Peas With Sausage
This Instant Pot Recipe is good alternative if you are looking for a healthy and yet tasty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) bag dry black-eyed peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups andouille sausage, sliced and halved (or other smoked sausage)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups ham, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with chiles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Using the "Sauté" mode, heat the electric pressure cooker until “hot.” Add the olive oil, sausage, and onion. Sauté until the onion is softened and the sausage is browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic.
- To the electric pressure cooker, add the chicken broth and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to remove any cooked on bits. This is called deglazing.
- Cancel the sauté mode. Stir in the salt, peas, bay leaves, thyme, and ham. Pour the tomatoes with chiles on top and do not stir.
- Place the lid on the electric pressure cooker and set the valve to sealing. Set the pressure cooker to “manual” or “pressure cook” for 20 minutes.
- Naturally release for 15 minutes when the cook cycle is complete and then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the bay leaves and stir the peas before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 874Total Fat: 53gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 3538mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 8gSugar: 12gProtein: 55g
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I.love the instant pot and have to try these. I bookmarked it for New year’s day.
I can’t remember the last time I had black beans, looking forward to trying this.
I can’t remember the last time I had black eyed peas, looking forward to trying this.
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever had black eyed peas before. I need to try this. I do love spicy things!
My husband likes eating black eye peas for the new year. I will have to try this recipe for him.
My Aunt HAS to eat black eyed peas on news years every year for good luck, I’ll have to pass along this recipe for her to try!
Wow, I didn’t know that black eyed peas have these benefits.
I actually don’t know If I could buy black beans here in Philippines. It sounds delicious, though
What a heavenly dish. I love peas and I love sausage so this is a combination of my most favorite things.
This is the perfect dish for my husband. He loves hearty and spicy dishes!
This sounds like a good combination of flavors. I don’t eat a lot of beans and would like to try this.
Wow, I haven’t tried adding sausage with any of my black eyed peas dishes but it looks like we’ll love it as well !
Omg yes! I’m saving this right now!! I never thought about adding sausages to my black eyed peas, this sounds like a game changer
The combination of flavors sound delicious, I need to try to make this for the family soon