Southern traditions dictate the preparation and consumption of certain foods on New Year's Day to ensure prosperity in the coming year.  For as long as I can remember, my family has enjoyed a pot of blackeyed peas (for luck) and either turnip greens or cabbage (for money) on January 1 because the last thing I want to do is tempt fate!

Blackeyed peas are delicious and if you follow this recipe, you might be tempted to prepare them more often than once a year.  Here's how I do mine in the Instant Pot.  This method saves time and makes for easy cleanup with no compromise on quality or flavor.

What you'll need:
    1 lb dried blackeyed peas
    2 Tablespoons butter
    1 large onion, chopped
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    1 teaspoon Kosher salt

    1 teaspoon black pepper

    1 lb ham hocks, a ham bone, or a cup of chopped ham
    5 cups chicken stock

    1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

    1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce

    Instructions:

    Rinse peas and set aside.

    Set the Instant Pot to "Saute" and add butter, onion, and salt. Saute until onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes, then add garlic and saute about 2 minutes longer.

    Add dried peas to pot. Place hambone on top, then pour chicken stock over peas and hambone. The peas should be completely covered with stock (if not, add more water until they are covered).

    Lock the lid and set valve to seal. Set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" or Manual and "High Pressure" and set the time to 30 minutes.

    When the 30 minutes is up allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes (in other words, do not open the valve until 20 minutes has passed). Once the 20 minutes is up, open the valve and allow the pressure to release.

    Open the lid, remove the hambones, and shred the meat off the bones. Stir the meat back into the pot and season to taste.  Serve and enjoy!

    **Notes-To speed up the cooking process with dried peas, they can be soaked in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. When ready to use just drain and rinse and reduce cooking time to 15 minutes.

Great pairings with your blackeyed peas and greens are sweet potatoes, pork loin or pork roast, and homemade cornbread.

Happy new year!