Nutty in flavor, pigeon peas are a staple in Caribbean, Indian and African cuisine. Learn how to quickly make dried pigeon peas in your Instant Pot, no soaking required.
Sort through dried pigeon peas and discard any debris or bad peas. Add remaining peas to Instant Pot removeable insert.
Add water and swish/agitate the peas with your hands to wash them. Drain as much water as you can into the sink. Repeat.
Add 5 cups of fresh water and one bay leaf to the peas.
Place insert in the Instant Pot. Cover with lid and close the valve to "Sealing".
Press the "Beans" or "Manual" setting and increase time to 40 minutes. The Instant Pot will beep several times to tell you it's working.
When they're done (the Instant Pot will beep several times and switch to the "Keep Warm" setting), carefully quick release the pressure, using a long wooden spoon. Be careful not to burned by the escaping steam.
Remove lid and add salt, to taste.
Be sure to reserve the flavorful broth, so you can use it in making Jamaican pigeon peas and rice.
Notes
Will store in refrigerator for up to 5 days.Will store in freezer for up to 6 months.Use pigeon peas to make Jamaican rice and pigeon peas, to add to grain bowls, salads, wraps, as you would lentils.This recipe makes approximately 6 cups of cooked peas and 3 ½ cups broth. This is important to know if you're making Jamaican rice and pigeon peas, since you use both the peas and the broth.