Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas and Ham

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 ham hock (or 2-3 cups cubed ham)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Rinse and sort the black-eyed peas and set aside.
2. Set the Instant Pot to the “sauté” setting and add the onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is softened.
3. Add the thyme, bay leaf, ham hock, chicken broth, and black-eyed peas. Stir to combine.
4. Secure the lid and set the valve to “sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
6. Carefully remove the ham hock and shred the meat, discarding the bone. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
7. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Interesting Facts

• Black-eyed peas are a traditional New Year’s Day dish in the south, believed to bring luck and prosperity in the coming year.
• Black-eyed peas are also known as cowpeas, field peas, or crowder peas.
• Ham hocks are the cured hind legs of a pig, usually smoked or boiled.