Texas Caviar
100 Min
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Texas Caviar

The black-eyed pea, also known as cow pea or ‘chowli’ as we call it in India, originated in Africa but is cultivated worldwide. Sometimes, local farmers will grow a variety, the purple hull bean and sell them fresh. The plant, being extremely pest and drought resistant, is easy to grow in most climates, which has contributed to its popularity. During the civil war, this humble yet nourishing bean became a symbol of fortune and prosperity in the American south. A dietitian and avid cook by the name of Helen Corbitt is credited with inventing the southern Mexican mash up, Texas or Cowboy Caviar, as it is sometimes called, when she moved to Texas from New York in the 1930s. Over the years, it has become a free-wheeling salad or dip of sorts made with black eyed peas. 

Here I made a dryish masala with the beans and then added crunchy vegetables, raisins and lots of lime juice at the end. It is best enjoyed room temperature or cold with crackers, bread or chips.

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Cook Time

1 hour and 40 minutes

Serves

4

Step 1
Soak the black-eyed peas for a few hours or overnight. Drain the water then combine with 4 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil. Discard any foam that may arise on top – it’s usually filled with impurities. Add the turmeric and salt to the beans, cover and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour or until soft and tender. Let the beans cool in their liquid until they are at room temperature. Drain and set aside in a bowl.
Step 2
In a small frying pan over high heat, warm the olive oil and pop the cumin seeds then add 1/2 cup of the minced onion. Cook on medium to low heat until the onions are soft and translucent, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the garlic, ginger, red chile and tomatoes. Cook on high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes thick.
Step 3
Fold the tomato mixture into the black-eyed peas. At this point, the mixture can be set aside until ready to serve.
Step 4
Discard the bottom 3 inches of the cilantro and mince the rest, stems and leaves. Along with the raisins, celery, lime juice and the remaining onion, toss with the black-eyed peas. Taste for balance and add more salt or lemon juice if needed. Serve topped with pomegranate seeds.

1 cup dry black-eyed peas

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon dried turmeric


4 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 cup minced onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons grated unpeeled ginger

1 teaspoon red chile powder

1 cup canned ground tomatoes


1/2 bunch cilantro

2 tablespoons raisins

1 cup diced celery

Juice of 2 limes

2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds

Notes & Variations

  • Celery and onions can be substituted with red bell pepper and/or avocado. Instead of cilantro, add parsley, mint or sage.
  • To turn this into a curry, add another cup of tomato and add water or stock to create a saucier version.
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100 Min
DF
GF
V

WARMING DISHES FOR WHEN IT'S COLD OUT.

Stay inside & have a helping (or four). :)

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