Texas Caviar

Hotter than...

...the weather, not the salad


Since summertime is beating down on us, I've been doing a lot of cooking outdoors - crazy, I know.

Here's a recipe for a refreshing cool salad that goes great with grilled foods. It's another version of Country Caviar and ingredients change with every region. This one is from Texas.

Texas Caviar


2 -15 oz. cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro or flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 serrano chile, stem and seeds removed, then finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Combine everything up in a bowl; season with the salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. 

Serve cold. 

Note: Alabama does a version without the serrano and with varying sweet peppers, garden fresh plum tomatoes and a tad of sugar.
And from our surrounding states:
Mississippi enjoys a version using a good dose of Italian dressing, not sure why...
Tennessee folks like it hot with a can of Rotel and Mexi-corn.
Georgia likes to add Rotel and Italian dressing, not sure why...
And my Floridian friends, well, they add ketchup, red wine vinegar and Thai fish sauce.

Comments

  1. This sounds really good! I am going to have to give this one a try!!!

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  2. I prefer to cook outdoors in summer... but under the shade of course. :)

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  3. this looks like it would be fantastic with some large corn chips! Delish!

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  4. wow...I haven't thought of black eyed peas in so long.....this would be great on my salad bar at school! what a perfect recipe, and I love the name!!

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  5. How clever - Caviar for vegetarians. I love any caviar.

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  6. "Texas Caviar" had to look just because of the name. I was expecting something rather scary and more for the culinary "adventurer" (like rocky mt. oysters). Pleasantly surprised to find such a nice, summer dish! It would be a great accomapniment for many dishes.

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  7. Yes please! Send some my way!

    K, thanks :-)

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  8. I've been looking at Texas Caviar recipes a lot lately. I just found the one I wanted. Love the black-eyed peas!

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  9. I loved the name it drives you to the post, wasnt expecting the black beans but it all makes such perfect sense, yep I was having a blonde moment... I just started to love black beans, the burgers, the chili now this is another one that sounds like a winner great job here~

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  10. Yep, over the top summer spicy goodness with this one! My kind of eating right here.

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  11. This looks like such a refreshing dip! I love the combination of flavors.

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  12. I just love the titles to your posts. They are so creative! The salad looks terrific too. I've never tried black-eyed peas. This salad looks like a great way to get started.

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  13. I haven't had this is years! Thanks for the reminder!

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  14. I first had Texas Caviar at my cousin's house, in Houston, but never had the recipe, until now! Looks divine! Thanks for sharing, cher!

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  15. Texas caviar sign me up, we love this recipe..it goes great with any meat or even fish..yum

    sweetlife

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