If you’re craving a bowl of comforting, soul-warming goodness, look no further than this Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas (Instant Pot + Stovetop) Recipe. It captures the heart of Southern cooking by combining tender black-eyed peas with smoky turkey, aromatic vegetables, and a delightful blend of Creole spices. Whether you’re using the Instant Pot for a quick weeknight dinner or simmering everything low and slow on the stovetop, this recipe promises a creamy, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white speckled plate with two cooked pieces of golden brown meat with crispy skin placed side by side. Above it, a white speckled oval plate holds three layers of chopped vegetables: white onions covering the top half, bright green bell peppers on the middle right, and light green celery on the bottom right. To the left of this plate is a bowl filled with pale beige beans with small black spots, which rests on a white marbled surface. Nearby, small white bowls contain golden yellow oil, several peeled garlic cloves, and a dark brown liquid. On the right, a clear measuring cup holds a bright orange liquid. Two seasoning jars, one yellow with red and green accents labeled “Slap Ya Mama” and one smaller jar labeled “Bay Leaves,” are placed near the plates. Some fresh green herbs and a beige and white checkered cloth with a woman's hand partially visible rest on the white marbled surface in the corners. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients, each carefully chosen to deliver authentic Southern flavor with satisfying texture and vibrant color. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in building the hearty, creamy character of these black-eyed peas.

1 tablespoon olive oil (or duck fat as substitute): Adds richness and depth when sautéing the veggies.
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped: Offers a sweet and savory base that melts into the dish.
1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped: Brings a mild, fresh crunch and beautiful green hue.
1 stalk of celery, finely chopped: Gives a subtle earthiness and texture contrast.
1 small jalapeño, deseeded & finely diced: Adds just the right hint of smoky heat without overpowering.
6 cloves of garlic, finely minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
2 bay leaves: Impart a fragrant, herbal undertone that rounds out the spices.
2-3 teaspoons Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought): The star seasoning blend that brings authentic Southern zest.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and a subtle tang.
1 lb smoked turkey wings: Creates smoky, meaty richness essential for traditional flavors.
1 lb (16 ounces) dried black-eyed peas, sorted & rinsed: The creamy, tender legume star of the show.
6 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth: Provides liquid to cook the peas while intensifying savory notes.
Fresh chopped parsley, as garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness at the end.
Cooked white rice and/or cornbread (optional): Perfect comforting sides to serve alongside.

How to Make Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas (Instant Pot + Stovetop) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to the “sauté” function and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Toss in the finely chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño. Cooking these aromatics together until they are tender releases their flavors and creates the fragrant foundation your dish needs. Stir often for about 6 to 7 minutes to soften everything just right.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Garlic’s unmistakable aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that the magic is happening.

Step 3: Combine Seasonings, Meat, and Peas

Add in the bay leaves, Creole Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, smoked turkey wings, black-eyed peas, and chicken stock. Give everything a good stir so the flavors begin to meld. Lock in the lid to prepare for the pressure cook stage.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Peas

Set the Instant Pot to “manual” or “pressure cook” for 35 minutes. After the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 7 to 10 minutes. This gentle pressure release helps keep the peas tender and creamy.

Step 5: Shred the Smoked Turkey

Carefully remove the smoked turkey wings from the pot. Let them cool briefly before shredding the meat off the bones into bite-sized pieces. Adding the smoky shredded meat back enriches each bite with hearty flavor.

Step 6: Mash for Creaminess

Stir the peas and remove the bay leaves. Use a potato masher to gently break up some of the peas, releasing their creamy starch and thickening the mixture. This simple step transforms the black-eyed peas into a luscious, velvety dish that’s irresistible.

Step 7: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

Give the peas a taste and adjust with more Creole Cajun seasoning if you like it spicier or more savory. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside fluffy white rice or buttery cornbread for a down-home meal that feels just right.

Step 8: Stovetop Alternative

If you prefer a stovetop method, soak the peas beforehand either overnight in cold water or with a quick hot water soak. Then follow the above steps in a large Dutch oven or stock pot, simmering for 45 minutes to an hour until peas are tender. Just watch the liquid level, adding broth or water as needed to keep the peas from drying out or sticking to the pot.

How to Serve Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas (Instant Pot + Stovetop) Recipe

Inside a stainless steel pot, there is a mixture of black-eyed peas and a brown piece of dried meat or seasoning floating in a rich yellowish broth. A woman's hand is pouring more broth into the pot, creating bubbles and splashes. A bay leaf is visible on top of the peas, and the mixture looks thick with small green herbs and spices scattered throughout. The pot is set against a white marbled surface with a textured cloth in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish that brings a bright herbal note and lively color to the comforting creaminess of the peas. You can also sprinkle a little extra Creole seasoning on top for a visual and flavor punch.

Side Dishes

This dish sings when paired with fluffy white rice that soaks up the flavorful juices perfectly. Cornbread, either sweet or savory, is another beloved Southern accompaniment that adds texture and buttery goodness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the peas in small cast iron skillets or rustic bowls, topped with a dollop of tangy sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also turn leftovers into stuffed peppers or fold them into savory pies for a fun twist on this classic Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas (Instant Pot + Stovetop) Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making for easy, delicious meals the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the peas into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Frozen black-eyed peas will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the mixture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through. The creamy texture holds up wonderfully, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without smoked turkey wings?

Absolutely! While smoked turkey wings offer authentic flavor, you can substitute ham hocks, smoked sausage, or even a veggie broth for a vegetarian version. Just keep in mind the smoky depth may vary.

Do I have to soak the black-eyed peas before cooking?

Soaking is necessary for stovetop cooking to ensure even tenderness and shorter cook time. For Instant Pot, you can skip soaking as the pressure cooking tenderizes the peas quickly, but soaking still helps reduce cooking time a bit.

How spicy is the dish with jalapeño and Creole seasoning?

The heat is gentle and balanced. Removing the seeds from the jalapeño reduces its spice, and Creole seasoning can be adjusted to taste to keep the dish flavorful without overwhelming heat.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock and skip the smoked turkey wings. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor. The peas will stay creamy and delicious.

What is the best way to get a creamy consistency without cream?

Mashing a portion of cooked black-eyed peas releases their natural starches, creating that luscious, velvety texture without needing any dairy. It’s a wonderfully healthy and traditional Southern technique.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas (Instant Pot + Stovetop) Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food, steeped in tradition and bursting with rich, soulful flavors. Whether you’re feeding family or just craving something wholesome and hearty, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite. So dive in, savor every creamy, smoky spoonful, and let this classic Southern dish bring warmth and joy to your table.