• Pick any dirt or stones from the dried black-eyed peas. Give it a quick rinse.

Long Soak Method:

• Put the black-eyed peas in a large bowl or pot and add sufficient water. They absorb a lot of water and become almost triple in size after soaking. So, it is important to add lots of water.
• Cover and let it soak for at least 6-8 hours (or overnight). Drain and rinse once soaked.

Quick Soak Method:

• Take water in a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water boils, turn off the heat and add the dried black-eyed peas.
• Give it a quick stir, cover it, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse once soaked.

Instant Pot Method:

• Add the soaked black-eyed peas to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Add four cups of water and salt.
• Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode for 5 minutes. Let the pressure release manually for 10 minutes, then quickly release the remaining pressure.
• For unsoaked beans, pressure cook for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release manually for 10 minutes, then quickly release the remaining pressure.

Stovetop Method:

• Take soaked cowpeas in a large pot and cover with several inches of water. Add salt and give it a quick stir.
• Bring it to a boil and cover with a lid, leaving a small gap for the steam to escape. Simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the chickpeas are done to your liking. Check once every 15 minutes to ensure there is sufficient water.
• Unsoaked cowpeas can take from 1½ to 2 hours to be cooked.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method:

• Add the soaked black-eyed peas to the pressure cooker. Add six cups of water and salt.
• Cook on high for three whistles. Turn off the heat and let the pressure come down naturally.
• For unsoaked cowpeas, cook on high for three whistles. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pressure come down naturally.

Slow Cooker Method:

• Add the soaked cowpeas and salt to the slow cooker. Pour enough water into the slow cooker to cover the chickpeas by about two inches.
• Set it to low and cook for 6 hours or until they're tender to your liking. Check on them occasionally and add more liquid if needed.