Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Rice Pulao

Name: Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Rice Pulao
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup basmati rice (low GI ( I used Lakshmi brand)); 1 cup black eyed peas (dried); 2 tomatoes (diced); 1 onion (chopped); 1/2 inch ginger (grated); 1/2 tsp garam masala powder; 1/2 tsp biryani masala powder; 1/2 tsp red chili powder; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 inch cinnamon stick; 2 1/2 cup water; salt to taste; 3 tsp olive oil; 2 tsp cilantro (chopped)

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Many believe that black-eyed peas give good luck on New Year's Day!

I can make your day even luckier by presenting this easy to make instant pot recipe for a delicious meal with black eye peas!

A bowl of black eyed peas rice on the table.

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This recipe is a great way to get the best out of southern black-eyed peas. It comes with tons of flavor and the cook time is less than 30 minutes!

It pairs well with curry, roti or dal making it a universal recipe.

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Why I love this recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Tips
Variation
Recipe FAQ
Related Recipes
Pairing Suggestions
📖 Recipe
Comments

Why I love this recipe

Quick and easy: The instant pot makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare. All you have to do is throw in the ingredients, set the timer and let it cook!
Full of flavor: The combination of spices used in this recipe gives it a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Healthy and nutritious: Black eyed peas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is also low in calories, making it a healthy option for any meal.

Ingredients

Dry black eyed peas: you will get this from almost all grocery stores. Look for a fresh pack that is sealed well.
Basmati rice: this long-grain white rice adds a nice texture and flavor.
Onions, tomatoes, ginger
Spices: I used garam masala, biryani masala, and red chili powder.
Whole spices: I used bay leaf and cinnamon stick

See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Instructions

Rinse black-eyed peas in water until it runs clear. Soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes.

An instant pot has spices and onions on saute mode.

Turn on the instant pot and select sauté mode.

Add 2-3 teaspoon olive oil, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick to the pot.

Once the oil is hot, add chopped onions and ginger.

Sauté until they turn golden brown.

An instant pot has black eyed peas pulao ingredients.

Add chopped tomatoes and spices to the pot. Mix well.

An instant pot has black eyed peas rice ingredients on cooking mode.

Add soaked and drained black-eyed peas and basmati rice and mix them well.

Add water and salt to taste. Stir well and close the lid of the instant pot.

Set it on sealing position on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally.

An instant pot has black eyed peas rice.

Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with side dish like kurma or vegan raita.

Tips

If you don't have an instant pot, you can make this recipe in a regular pressure cooker or on the stovetop by adjusting the cooking times accordingly.
Be sure to soak the beans in a large pot to speed up the cooking process.
You can add other leafy greens like collard greens or baby spinach or vegetables like bell pepper, red pepper, and carrots to make it a more wholesome meal.
Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences by adding more or less of the spices listed.

A bowl of black eyed peas pulao is on the surface.

Variation

Biryani masala powder: Instead, you can use individual spices like cumin, coriander, and black pepper powder to add a different flavor profile.
Add a bit of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
Coconut milk: To make this dish more flavorful, add some coconut milk towards the end of cooking.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried ones?

Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas for this recipe to save time. Make sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the pot. Keep in mind that the cooking time will reduce, as canned peas are already cooked.

What can I serve this dish with?

This black-eyed peas rice pairs wonderfully with kurma, vegan raita, or even a simple cucumber salad. You can also enjoy it on its own as a one-pot meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well, so you can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it up if needed.

What can I substitute for basmati rice?

You can use jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa as a substitute, though the cooking time and water ratio may vary depending on the grain used. Keep an eye on these adjustments for the best results.