If you’re looking to bring a soulful, comforting Southern classic to your dinner table with minimal fuss, this Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe is an absolute game changer. It blends tender black-eyed peas, smoky bacon, and vibrant bell peppers all cooked perfectly in one pot, making it a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating the New Year for luck or simply craving a hearty, wholesome meal, this recipe captures all the warmth and flavor that Hoppin’ John promises in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a bowl full of texture, flavor, and color. They’re straightforward, pantry-friendly staples that let the comforting taste of Hoppin’ John shine through.
- Olive oil: A splash of olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the vegetables to release their sweetness.
- Onion (small dice): Provides a savory base with a gentle bite that balances the smoky elements.
- Green pepper (small dice): Brings a fresh, mild crunch and a pop of green color.
- Red pepper (small dice): Adds sweetness and vibrant red hues for visual appeal.
- Black-eyed peas (dried): The star ingredient offering a creamy texture and earthy flavor that defines Hoppin’ John.
- Bacon (uncooked and cut into bite-sized pieces): Sprinkles in a smoky richness that permeates every bite.
- Chicken broth: Deepens the dish with savory notes and keeps the peas tender and tasty.
- Bay leaves: Infuse the dish with subtle herbal undertones that elevate the overall flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic warmth and a gentle pungency.
- Salt: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors working together.
- Cooked rice: Serves as the perfect, fluffy bed to soak up every savory drop of the Hoppin’ John.
How to Make Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Get your Instant Pot ready by turning it to the SAUTE setting. Warm the olive oil, then toss in the diced onions along with the green and red peppers. Let them cook gently until they become soft and fragrant. This step creates a flavorful foundation, unlocking the natural sweetness of the vegetables that perfectly complements the smoky, hearty elements in the recipe.
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients in the Pot
Next, add your dried black-eyed peas, bite-sized bacon pieces, chicken broth, bay leaves, garlic cloves, and salt directly into the pressure cooker pot. Give everything a good stir to mix and distribute the flavors evenly. This combination will simmer together, melding into that signature rich and savory taste that makes Hoppin’ John so irresistible.
Step 3: Cook Under Pressure
Seal all those goodness inside by placing the lid on the Instant Pot and locking it. Turn the pressure release valve to the sealing position, then set the cooker to HIGH pressure for exactly 20 minutes. This method cooks the dried black-eyed peas to creamy perfection quickly, all while infusing that smoky bacon flavor wonderfully throughout the dish.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once the 20 minutes are up, let your pot soften the pressure gradually by allowing a natural release for 15 minutes. This gentle cooldown helps the flavors settle and ensures the beans achieve the perfect texture. After that, carefully vent any remaining steam before opening up the lid to reveal your flavorful masterpiece.
Step 5: Stir in Sautéed Vegetables and Serve
Now, fold the sautéed onions and peppers back into the pot. This reunites all the components into a harmonious dish full of color and taste. Serve the steaming Hoppin’ John over a generous mound of fluffy cooked rice to soak up every savory drop—and then get ready to indulge in a bowl of Southern comfort.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe!
Dig in and savor the delightful balance of smoky, earthy, and fresh flavors. Sharing this dish with family or friends is guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a new tradition to your table.
How to Serve Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes really elevates the dish. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top to add a bright burst of color and a subtle herbal pop. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also works wonders if you love a little heat, balancing perfectly with the smoky bacon and creamy peas.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with collard greens or sautéed kale for some extra greens on your plate. Cornbread is another classic side that complements both the texture and flavor profile, offering a slightly sweet, crumbly contrast to the savory Hoppin’ John.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Hoppin’ John in hollowed-out bell peppers or over baked sweet potato halves. You can even turn it into a filling for tacos or stuffed wraps for a casual, crowd-pleasing meal. Presentation is all about making this comforting dish feel fresh and exciting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner option that feels almost as good as fresh.
Freezing
This Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, ready-made meal solution.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If it feels a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency and maintain that perfect creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, you can, but since canned peas are already cooked, you will need to adjust the cooking time significantly. Add them near the end of cooking, just enough to warm through without becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help replicate the smoky flavor.
Is it necessary to use an Instant Pot?
While this recipe is tailored for the Instant Pot to save time, you can make it on the stove. It will take longer to soften the dried peas, so plan for a couple of hours of simmering time instead.
What if I don’t have bay leaves?
No worries! If you don’t have bay leaves, you can skip them, but they do add a subtle earthy aroma. Alternatively, a small pinch of dried thyme works as a good substitute.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in diced tomatoes, celery, or even a bit of jalapeño for heat. Vegetables add extra texture and flavor, making the dish your own.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe is a wonderful way to embrace a traditional Southern dish with modern ease. Its rich flavors and comforting textures come together so quickly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and festive occasions alike. I encourage you to try it out—you might just find your new favorite comforting classic to share again and again.
Print
Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Instant Pot Hoppin’ John recipe is a flavorful, traditional Southern dish featuring tender black-eyed peas cooked with bacon, peppers, and onions, served over fluffy rice. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, made easy and quick with the pressure cooker.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup Onion, small dice
- 1 Green pepper, small dice
- 1 Red pepper, small dice
- 2 cloves Garlic
Proteins
- ½ pound Bacon, uncooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound Black-eyed peas, dried
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 5.5 cups Chicken broth
- 2 Bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Other
- 4 cups Cooked rice
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Turn your pressure cooker to the SAUTE setting. Add the olive oil, and once it’s heated, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened, then remove and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the dried black-eyed peas, bacon pieces, chicken broth, bay leaves, garlic cloves, and salt into the pressure cooker pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and lock it in place. Turn the pressure release valve to the sealed position. Set the cooker to HIGH pressure for 20 minutes to cook the peas until tender.
- Natural Pressure Release: When cooking ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. After this, carefully vent the remaining steam before opening the lid.
- Finish & Serve: Stir the sautéed onions and bell peppers back into the cooked black-eyed peas mixture. Serve the Hoppin’ John hot over the cooked rice.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this classic, hearty Southern dish!
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Black-eyed peas do not require pre-soaking because pressure cooking softens them adequately.
- Adjust salt to taste after cooking if desired.
