Instant Pot Hoppin' John (Black-Eyed Peas and Rice)

Make the Southern classic dish, Hoppin' John quickly and easily in the Instant Pot. Made with ham hock and black eyed peas, everyone will love this traditional New Years' Day meal.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 celery ribs (stalks, diced)
• 1 bell pepper (red or green)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 small bay leaves
• 4-5 slices bacon (chopped (or 8 oz))
• 1 small ham hock (or meaty ham bone)
• 16 oz black-eyed peas (dry)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Heat oil in the Instant Pot using the Sauté function.
2. 2Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to turn translucent.
3. 3Add the thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir.
4. 4Add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
5. 5Add the broth, bay leaves, bacon, and ham hock.
6. 6Stir in the black-eyed peas.
7. 7Place the lid on the pressure cooker and lock it. Set the steam release knob to the Sealing position. Cancel the Sauté function.
8. 8Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button and cook for 17 minutes on high pressure.
9. 9When the cooking cycle has ended and the pot beeps, let it sit undisturbed for 15 minutes (15 minute Natural Pressure Release), then turn the steam release knob to the Venting position to release the remaining steam/pressure.
10. 10When the pin in the lid drops down, open it and give the contents a stir. Discard bay leaves and ham hock. Serve warm over cooked rice.