Instant Pot Black Eyed Pea Soup

Introduction and Story

Black-eyed pea soup is a dish steeped in tradition and culture, often associated with good luck and prosperity. Especially popular in Southern cuisine, this hearty soup is commonly enjoyed on New Year’s Day to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Imagine gathering around a table with loved ones on a cold winter day, the air filled with the comforting aroma of a slowly simmering pot of black-eyed pea soup. This Instant Pot version not only retains the soulful flavors of the traditional recipe but also brings the convenience of modern cooking, allowing you to enjoy this classic dish with minimal effort.

Important Considerations

1. Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh or properly stored dried black-eyed peas for the best flavor and texture.
2. Pressure Cooking: Familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot settings to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
3. Seasoning Balance: Proper seasoning is crucial to enhance the earthy flavors of the black-eyed peas and vegetables.
4. Vegetable Prep: Uniformly chop vegetables to ensure even cooking and texture in the soup.

Tips and Tricks

1. Soaking Peas: While not always necessary with an Instant Pot, soaking black-eyed peas overnight can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
2. Sautéing: Sautéing the vegetables and spices in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking adds depth of flavor.
3. Layering Flavors: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
4. Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil for added freshness and richness.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar