Ruffles & Truffles

16
Sep
2012

Texas Caviar for #SundaySupper

categories: Recipes

The recipe I’m going to share with you today comes with many memories for me. Ever since I can remember, my mother has been making Texas Caviar, and this amazing salsa/dip is one of my all time favorites.


For those who don’t already know this; I was born and raised around Dallas, TX (before moving to a number of other places). Texas is a land of amazing food, including Mexican, and I grew up loving it. When I heard that the theme for this week’s Sunday Supper was a Mexican Fiesta, I thought I’d contribute with a little bit of Tex-Mex flair, if you will! I have many fond memories of eating Texas Caviar with my family. My mom always whips up a batch for us to eat on New Year’s Day, since it’s a tradition to eat black eye peas for good luck in the new year. We’ve introduced this recipe to many others over the years at get-togethers, and it always seems to be a favorite.

Texas Caviar is sure to be a crowd pleaser for a gathering, and it is perfect to prepare for parties. You can easily double the recipe for a large group around your Sunday Supper table, and preparing the Texas Caviar in advance (preferably letting it sit overnight) makes it taste even better! It’s got crunch from the peppers, a smooth texture from the black eye peas, and a zing from the Italian dressing it is marinated in. Plus, the ingredients are all fresh and healthy – you don’t need to feel guilty for indulging in a few scoops!

You can even take this recipe up a notch or two with additions. Throw in some chopped pieces of cooked bacon…or toss in chunks of diced avocado right before serving for an extra treat. It’s up to you! And, if you aren’t in the mood to scoop your Texas Caviar with tortilla chips, it is a great topping to spoon over lettuce for a Tex-Mex style salad (add some sliced grilled chicken too!).

Texas Caviar

Ingredients

1 (14oz) can black eye peas, drained

1 cup corn kernels (if using frozen, thaw before using)

1 medium tomato, diced

3 green onions, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 medium green pepper, diced

5 tbsp Italian dressing

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1 jalapeno pepper, diced (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine black eye peas, corn, tomato, green onion, garlic, and green pepper in a large bowl. Toss gently to mix well. Pour Italian dressing over the mixture and gently stir to coat.

2. Cover and marinate at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. Texas Caviar is best if left overnight!

3. Before serving, drain excess liquid that accumulates, and serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

 

 

Are you in the mood for some more Mexican recipes? Make sure you check out the other contributions to this Sunday Supper – there are some delicious offerings for sure!

Sopas (Soups), Ensaladas (Salads), and Entremeses (Starters)

La Comida (the food)

Postres (desserts)

Bebidas (beverages)
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64 Comments on Texas Caviar for #SundaySupper

  1. Laura Hunter
    September 16, 2012 at 6:13 am (251 days ago)

    I have heard people talk about Texas caviar but until now I had no idea what they were talking about. It looks good

    Reply
    • Katie
      September 18, 2012 at 7:54 am (249 days ago)

      I’m definitely adding avocado to my Texas Caviar the next time I make it!

      Reply
  5. Alaiyo Kiasi
    September 16, 2012 at 8:42 am (251 days ago)

    You know, I’ve eaten this dish before at someone’s home and didn’t realize that it’s called Texas Caviar. I really love black-eyed peas and always have some on hand. Thanks for this recipe. I’ll be making this TODAY as a side for our family’s #SundaySupper.
    Alaiyo Kiasi recently posted..Blue Crab Tacos #SundaySupperMy Profile

    Reply
    • Katie
      September 18, 2012 at 7:55 am (249 days ago)

      What a coincidence! I honestly have never seen anyone else make it, but based on the comments, it isn’t as rare as I thought! Yum yum yum.

      Reply
  11. Patti
    September 16, 2012 at 10:27 am (251 days ago)

    Love all the textures in this appetizer! I could just keep munching on this one!

    Reply
  13. Bea
    September 16, 2012 at 11:33 am (251 days ago)

    I honestly had no idea what Texas Caviar was going to be. I was expecting to see a lot of black beans :) – This looks and sounds fantastic. Quick, easy, with all the flavors we love. I certainly will have to serve this to my family soon. Thank you for sharing :)
    Bea recently posted..Vegan Tortilla Soup for #SundaySupperMy Profile

    Reply
    • Katie
      September 18, 2012 at 7:56 am (249 days ago)

      Bea – you could definitely make this recipe with black beans as well – I bet that would be tasty too! So many options…

      Reply
    • Katie
      September 18, 2012 at 7:57 am (249 days ago)

      I had never put it on a salad before, and this time I tried it out and was wondering why I’d waited so long to do so!

      Reply
  18. Renee
    September 16, 2012 at 1:29 pm (251 days ago)

    This brings back so many memories for me. I haven’t had this dip in years and years. Thanks for reminding me of it and all the good times that went along with it.
    Renee recently posted..Carne Asada for #SundaySupperMy Profile

    Reply
  23. Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories)
    September 16, 2012 at 3:52 pm (250 days ago)

    Oh, I really like this as a new years eve food! We make lots of party food on New Years Eve and I never include anything with black eyed peas. Love that it’s so healthy too and I really like the idea of adding some diced avocado to it.
    Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) recently posted..Baked Flautas #SundaySupperMy Profile

    Reply
    • Katie
      September 18, 2012 at 8:00 am (249 days ago)

      I definitely love it for New Year’s Eve/Day! I am not a huge fan of the southern way of preparing black eye peas – with ham and collard greens, etc…so it’s a fresh option!

      Reply
    • Katie
      September 18, 2012 at 8:00 am (249 days ago)

      It’s definitely a good recipe to serve at a game day party as well!

      Reply
  28. Hezzi-D
    September 16, 2012 at 9:36 pm (250 days ago)

    I;ve heard of this but have never seen it-now I can’t wait to make it! It looks tasty.

    Reply
  30. Faye Leong
    September 17, 2012 at 8:59 am (250 days ago)

    A tasty and healthy recipe! Thank you for sharing with us.
    Faye Leong recently posted..Potato OmeletteMy Profile

    Reply
  31. Sarah
    September 17, 2012 at 9:46 am (250 days ago)

    It’s such a clever name! A friend of mine actually called her’s dixie cavier. I guess every region has it’s own name for the dish. Dish sounds and looks amazing!
    Sarah recently posted..Mexican Paint Soup #SundaySupperMy Profile

    Reply
    • Katie
      September 18, 2012 at 8:01 am (249 days ago)

      I like that name too!

      Reply
  34. Panama
    September 19, 2012 at 12:17 pm (248 days ago)

    I LOVE Texas caviar! Friends bring it to potlucks all the time here in Austin. I’ve never made it myself, though. Great recipe, Lana!
    Panama recently posted..No last blog posts to return.My Profile

    Reply

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  3. Stop Light Salsa
    September 16, 2012 at 8:35 am (251 days ago)

    [...] Texas Caviar - Ruffles and Truffles [...]

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