Cowboy Caviar: Learn the Story and Whip Up This Easy Texas Classic

Cowboy Caviar: A Texan Potluck Staple with a Rich History

Photo byCaroline AttwoodonUnsplash

Texas Caviar, despite its fancy-sounding name, is a down-home Texan dish that's as unpretentious as it is delicious. This zesty bean salad, also known as Cowboy Caviar, has been a staple at potlucks, picnics, and barbecues across the Lone Star State for decades.

The dish was created in the 1940s by Helen Corbitt, a New Yorker who moved to Texas and became the culinary director at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. Tasked with creating a dish using black-eyed peas (a traditional New Year's food in the South), Corbitt concocted this vibrant salad.

She first served it on New Year's Eve at the Houston Country Club, where it was an instant hit. The name "Texas Caviar" was coined as a humorous nod to the fancy fish roe, implying that this humble bean dish was Texas's answer to high-class appetizers.

Fun Facts:

1. Texas Caviar is sometimes called "Redneck Caviar" or "Hillbilly Caviar" in a playful nod to its Southern roots.
2. The dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.
3. Some Texans swear by eating Texas Caviar on New Year's Day for good luck, continuing the black-eyed pea tradition.

Recipe for Classic Texas Caviar:

Ingredients:

• 2 (15 oz) cans of black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine black-eyed peas, corn, bell peppers, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or as a side dish.

Your thoughts

Do you like Texas Caviar? Do you eat it on New Year's Day?

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