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Cowboy Caviar Dip

Cowboy Caviar Dip

A vibrant and flavorful dip made with beans, corn, peppers, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for parties or a quick snack!

What is Cowboy Caviar?

Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a colorful and refreshing dip or salad originating from Texas. It's a delightful mix of black-eyed peas, corn, bell peppers, onions, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, often served as an appetizer with tortilla chips or as a side dish.

History and Cultural Significance

Cowboy Caviar was created in the 1940s by Helen Corbitt, a chef who worked at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas. She initially served it as a New Year's Day dish and called it 'Texas Caviar' as a playful alternative to traditional caviar. The dish gained popularity due to its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, becoming a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a great Cowboy Caviar lies in the freshness of the ingredients and the balance of flavors. Dicing the vegetables uniformly ensures a consistent texture. The vinaigrette dressing is crucial for binding the ingredients and adding a zesty kick. Allowing the dip to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors, allowing them to meld together beautifully.

Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
0m
Servings
8
Difficulty
Easy
Course
snacks
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Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1.

    In a large bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.

  2. 2.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, jalapeno (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper.

  3. 3.

    Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and stir to combine.

  4. 4.

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

  5. 5.

    Serve with tortilla chips or as a side dish.

Nutritional Information

Calories
200
Protein
8g
Carbs
25g
Fat
8g

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Tips

  • For a spicier dip, leave the seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Add diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess.
  • Use fresh corn kernels for a sweeter flavor.
  • Customize the vegetables to your liking; diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or jicama work well.
  • Store leftover Cowboy Caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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