Instant Pot Hoppin' John
This Instant Pot Hoppin’ John is rich, smoky, and loaded with flavor. Bacon, pimento, and warm spices make the peas tender and bold – no soaking needed.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz bacon chopped into 1" pieces
- 1 cup diced ham
- 4 oz jarred diced pimento
- 1 onion diced small
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup dry black eyed peas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 3 oz tomato paste
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to saute mode. Once hot, add 12oz chopped bacon and 1 cup diced ham.
- Cook bacon and ham for 8-10 minutes, until some of the bacon fat is rendered. Turn off the heat and remove all but about 2 tablespoons of fat from the pot.
- Add 1 diced onion and 4oz diced pimento (drained) to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until onion starts to turn translucent.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the pot; stir well. Lock on the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual, high pressure, 10 minutes.
- Once the cook cycle is over, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes. Manually release the remaining pressure and stir the peas.
Notes
- No soaking needed – the Instant Pot cooks dried black eyed peas quickly and evenly, so you can skip the overnight prep.
- Control the bean texture – for softer peas, extend the natural release; for firmer peas, shorten it. If they’re still too firm after cooking, seal and cook 2–3 minutes more.
- Avoid the “Burn” error – deglaze the bottom well after sautéing. Scrape up every browned bit before pressure cooking.
- Too much liquid? Simmer on sauté for a few minutes after cooking, or mash a few peas to thicken.
- Serving idea – pair it with Instant Pot White Rice for a simple, complete Southern meal.
- Leftovers – this dish thickens as it sits and tastes even better the next day. Add a splash of broth when reheating if it gets too thick.
- Freezer-friendly – freeze portions for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 11gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 652mgPotassium: 396mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 580IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 2mg
