Smoky Vegan Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas & Greens
A nourishing one-pot comfort bowl pairing hearty beans with savory spices and produce.
Embrace a comforting and hearty plant-based meal with this smoky vegan Instant Pot black eyed peas and greens recipe. Inspired by Southern tradition, packed with rich, smoky notes and nourishing collard greens, this dish is easy, flavorful, and satisfying—making it perfect for New Year’s Day or anytime you crave a wholesome, one-pot meal.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Satisfying & Plant-Based: This recipe delivers depth of flavor with no animal products—a true vegan twist on a classic.
- Simple Yet Versatile: It uses the handy Instant Pot for a quick, fuss-free cooking process.
- Traditional & Meaningful: Black eyed peas symbolize good luck and collard greens stand for prosperity in many Southern New Year’s celebrations.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Smoky paprika, a touch of cayenne, and liquid smoke yield a robust, savory profile—no bacon required.
Ingredients
All you need are a few wholesome staples and seasonings to achieve this dish’s iconic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (or substitute additional broth for oil-free)
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 cups dry black eyed peas (no soaking needed; see notes for canned)
- 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth (DIY stock or store-bought; Pacific brand recommended)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust or omit for less heat)
- 2 Tbsp coconut aminos (or tamari, using half as much)
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (adds that signature smoky depth)
- 1/2 tsp each sea salt and black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 4-6 cups collard greens, stems removed, washed, and chopped
Instructions
Preparing this dish is straightforward, thanks to the convenience of the Instant Pot. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Dice the onion and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Wash and chop the collard greens, removing tough stems.
- Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté (medium). Add the oil. Once hot, sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their aroma.
- Add Seasonings & Peas: Add the dry black eyed peas (unsoaked), bay leaves, smoked paprika, cayenne, coconut aminos, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable broth, stirring well to deglaze the bottom.
- Cook Under Pressure: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual (high pressure) for 30 minutes.
- Release & Add Greens: Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully vent the remaining steam. Open the lid, add chopped collard greens, and stir.
- Simmer to Finish: Switch to sauté mode. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are creamy and tender and greens are wilted. If the dish is too liquidy, simmer uncovered to reduce excess broth.
- Season & Serve: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more paprika, liquid smoke, cayenne, salt, or coconut aminos as desired.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Black Eyed Peas: If using canned peas, rinse and add with the greens, cooking just until heated through (20 mins), as canned peas require less time.
- Greens: Substitute collard greens with kale, Swiss chard, or spinach for a varied texture or flavor profile.
- Liquid Smoke: Optional, but highly recommended for authentic smoky undertones. Use sparingly—a little goes a long way!
- Coconut Aminos vs. Tamari: If using tamari, which is saltier, halve the amount.
- Heat Level: Skip cayenne for a milder dish, or double it for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be enjoyed in several ways. Try:
- Served over brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite whole grain for a complete meal.
- Paired with cornbread or warm vegan biscuits for traditional comfort.
- Layered into nourish bowls, topped with fresh herbs like parsley or scallions, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Reheated as hearty leftovers—the flavors deepen over time!
The Significance of Black Eyed Peas & Greens
Black eyed peas and greens are more than just ingredients—they’re part of a cherished Southern tradition.
- Dating back centuries, black eyed peas are served on New Year’s Day in many US Southern households, symbolizing luck and coins for prosperity.
- Collard greens or other leafy greens are said to represent financial fortune and growth.
- Enjoying this recipe at the start of the year is believed to usher in abundance and good fortune for the months ahead.
Whether or not you celebrate this custom, this nutritious, comforting dish is welcome on the dinner table any time of year.
Tips for Best Results
- Taste & Adjust: Smoky, spicy, or savory notes can vary—taste as you go and season to your preference.
- Pea Texture: For slightly firmer beans, stop pressure cooking a few minutes earlier. For a creamier, thicker mixture, mash some peas after simmering.
- Meal Prep & Storage: This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and tastes even better as flavors meld. It also freezes well for up to 1 month.
- Add-In Ideas: Stir in diced tomatoes, a splash of hot sauce, or extra greens for even more variety.
What others are reading
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per 1-cup serving, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and can vary with ingredient choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Use a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Sauté veggies, add the peas and broth, simmer for about 45-60 minutes (checking for tenderness), then add greens and cook until wilted.
Q: Are canned black eyed peas okay?
A: Yes—drain, rinse, and add with the greens. Simmer about 20 minutes, just until everything is heated through, as canned peas are already cooked.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The recipe uses a small amount of cayenne for warmth, but you can skip it for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat.
Q: Can I use other greens?
A: Absolutely! Kale, chard, or mustard greens all work nicely in this dish. Cooking times may vary slightly.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just ensure your vegetable broth and coconut aminos/tamari are certified gluten-free if needed.
Related Recipes & Serving Ideas
- Spicy Black Eyed Pea Nourish Bowls: Serve leftovers over roasted sweet potatoes, with fresh herbs and a zingy hot sauce for added flavor.
- Simple Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas: For an even quicker meal, skip the collards and season simply with herbs and spices.
- Nourish Bowls: Pair with assorted roasted veggies, brown rice, or quinoa to round out your meal.
Final Thoughts
This smoky vegan black eyed peas and greens dish encapsulates wholesomeness, tradition, and rich, layered flavors. Whether you’re ringing in the New Year or craving a soul-satisfying dinner, this recipe provides comfort, nutrition, and—if you believe the lore—a little bit of luck in every spoonful.
Let this meal inspire you to celebrate heritage, health, and good fortune—one delicious bowl at a time.
References
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