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Texas Caviar

This Texas Caviar is so wonderful for New Year's, and game day grub, and your next party! And it's good for you, too. Tons and tons of flavor! Serve with warm corn tortilla chips. And don't worry, this dip is only mildly spicy, the acid from the dressing decreases the heat.

Prep Time
20 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 128 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb black-eyed peas 3 15.5 oz cans drained and rinsed, if using dried, see Notes
  • 2 cups green bell pepper finely chopped (stems and seeds removed)
  • 1 cup onion white or yellow, finely chopped
  • 1 3 oz. jar Pimentos pickled, drained and roughly chopped
  • ½ cup jalapeños Stems, seeds, and ribs removed, then finely chopped
  • 1 cup green onions aka scallions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce more or less, to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup Italian dressing preferably homemade

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make the Italian dressing and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients
  3. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least a couple of hours.
  4. Remove from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Taste and add more salt, if desired. Stir and transfer to a serving dish. Serve with warmed tortilla chips.

Notes

  • If using dried beans, soak them overnight.  Drain them and then add to a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them.  Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 45 minutes.  Drain and let cool.  Rinsing the cooked beans with cool tap water expedites the cooling.  Don't overcook the beans!
  • We highly recommend making the homemade Italian dressing.  If you do go with store-bought, add either 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or fresh lime juice to the caviar mixture.  The acid helps mellow all the flavors.  
  • Taste before serving and add more salt, hot sauce, and/or cilantro, if desired.
  • The dip, made as written, is mild in spiciness.  Removing the seeds and the ribs of the jalapenos ensures it won't be too spicy.  If you want more heat, leave some of the seeds in and increase the amount of hot sauce.  You can also use pickled jalapenos (nacho style) in place of the fresh. 
  • The dip can be made up to 1 day in advance and kept in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.  The dip can be frozen for up to 1 month, but we feel fresh is best, when it comes to Texas Caviar.
  • Happy New Year!

Nutrition Information

Calories 128kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 389mg (16%) Potassium 265mg (8%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 301IU (6%) Vitamin C 34mg (38%) Calcium 30mg (3%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 128

% Daily Value*

Calories 128kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 389mg 16%
Potassium 265mg 6%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 301IU 6%
Vitamin C 34mg 38%
Calcium 30mg 3%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.