Cowboy caviar, also known as Texas caviar, is a typical dish that’s more of a salad, often seasoned with vinegar oil and spices, including garlic and pepper. Cowboy caviar is thought to have originated from the South of the US. This dish rose to popularity in the 1970s after being featured in several magazines. This dish is most famous today and is widely available in grocery stores and restaurants as a dip, side dish or meal.
What’s cowboy caviar?
Cowboy caviar is a hearty dish that is perfect for a summer cookout. The dish typically includes black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, and onions cooked in a flavorful dressing. Some recipes also add protein-rich ingredients such as black beans or kidney beans. The Caviar can be served as a dip or side dish and can also be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. Whether you intend to have a new dish to add to your cookout menu or intend to have something different, Cowboy caviar is a delicious option that is sure to please.
Its versatility of use is as follows;
- Cowboy caviar is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways.
- It can be served as a dip with chips or crackers, spooned over grilled chicken or fish, or eaten on its own as a flavorful and healthy snack.
- It is also perfect for entertaining, as it can be made ahead of time and quickly scaled to feed a crowd.
- Best of all, cowboy caviar is packed with nutrients and low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence. So, whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or an impressive appetizer, cowboy caviar is sure to fit the bill.
Recipe ingredients
Black-eyed peas
Black-eyed peas are a type of legume popular in many parts of the world. The small, round beans are a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and are often used in dishes such as Cowboy Caviar. Black-eyed peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and can be cooked in several ways. For instance, the beans can be boiled and then served with rice, or they can be made into a stew.
In addition, Black-eyed peas can be used as an ingredient in salads and dips. Whatever way you choose to prepare them, Black-eyed peas are a delicious and nutritious food that will surely please everyone at the table.
Black or Pinto beans
Choose either of them; black or Pinto beans. When both in a mixture, one can each, they have a meatier taste altogether.
Worry not if you’re stuck on when and where to serve the dish. Cowboy caviar can be prepared and served anytime from bed or work to the gym.
Fresh corn
Fresh corn on the cob is preferably sweeter!
Roma tomatoes
Characterized by fewer seeds. For salads and stews, they chop well.
Red bell pepper
As compared to green peppers, they are sweeter and more vibrant.
Jalapeno
Jalapeno are less spicy than many may imagine.
Cilantro/Coriander
Cilantro is a natural herb with a nice flavour.
Lime
Lime is a citrus fruit with acidic juice that adds flavour.
Chilli powder
Chilli powder is a pulverized fruit-dried powder from chilli pepper varieties to add spice and flavour to Cowboy caviar.
Garlic salt
Garlic salt is a mixture of table salt and dried ground garlic.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder is derived from dehydrated garlic and is used for flavour enhancement in cooking.
Cumin
Cumin adds taste to any dish with its citric taste.
Grilling corn on the cob
There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh corn on the cob, and grilling is one of the best ways to cook it. The high heat of the grill helps to caramelize the sugars in the corn, creating a sweet and smoky flavour.
To grill corn on the cob, start by soaking the ears in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This will help to prevent them from drying out during cooking. Then, remove the husks and silks and brush the ears using olive oil. Next, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and place the ears on the grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes, occasionally turning, until the corn is tender and slightly charred.
Note: only seasoned corn can be grilled.
Making the recipe
Once the corn in the cob has cooled, use a vegetable cutter to cut the corn in the cob into a large bowl.
Ingredients
- 15 particles of black-eyed peas (rinsed and drained)
- 15 particles of black beans rinsed and drained (or pinto beans)
- 4 ears of fresh corn or two cups of frozen (cooked), or canned corn
- 6 Roma tomatoes (diced) or ½ pint of grape tomatoes (quartered)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 jalapeno seed removed, (diced)
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime juiced and zested + ⅛ cup more lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
You should note that double amounts of Cowboy caviar should be prepared from double ingredients.
What to follow;
Put all the ingredients in a large bowl.
Mix for uniformity.
For a tastier salad, cover and refrigerate for a period of Up To 3 hours.
Nutritional value
This dish is a good source of protein and fiber and can be a healthy addition to any diet.
Cowboy caviar is also low in fats and cholesterol, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious people.
The dish is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or a main meal.