Dish of Texas Caviar
(click to enlarge)

Texas Caviar


Texas / California
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 1-3/4 #
**
7 min
Yes		 Composed around 1940 by a New Yorker for her adopted Texas, this version has been adjusted for California tastes, but is far more like the original than most versions today (see Variations).

1-1/2
2
1
3
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1/3
3
1
2/3
1/4
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c
oz

T
---
c
T
cl
t
t
---
Black Eyed Peas  
Onion
Chili Fresno
Cilantro
-- Dressing
Olive Oil ExtV
Sherry Vinegar (1)
Garlic
Salt
Pepper blk
------------
Do Ahead   -   (6 hrs - 5 min work)
  1. Soak Black Eyed Peas for at least 6 hours in plenty of water with about 1/2 T Salt. This reduces cooking time and you will have fewer burst beans. No, the salt will not harden the beans.
Make   -   (45 min - 15 min work)
  1. Drain and rinse Black Eyed Peas. Place in a sauce pan with water to cover well and bring to a boil. Simmer for as long as it takes for the beans to be tender. Nearly all should still be intact. Exact time will vary with age of your beans, but between 30 and 45 minutes.
  2. Chop Onion small.
  3. Crush Garlic lightly.
  4. Cap Fresno Chili, slice in half lengthwise, and remove seed core, and as much of the membranes you think you must. Chop very small.
  5. Chop Cilantro medium.
  6. Mix All Ingredients in a bowl. Let rest for about 30 minutes, tossing the salad a few times for even dressing distribution.
  7. Serve at room temperature. Most people serve their dolled up versions in a bowl with large Tortilla Chips beside, but this one also works fine as a salad or side dish.
NOTES:

  1. Sherry Vinegar:

      If you use regular Wine Vinegar, use 1 Tablespoon more, as Sherry Vinegar is more acidic.

  2. Variations:

      Today most people doll this dish up with Corn Kernels, Red and Green Bell Pepper, Jalapeño Chilis, canned Black Beans, and some don't even use Black Eyed Peas at all, but where's the good luck in that?
  3. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
8gp_texcav 211231 ajg   -   www.clovegarden.com
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