Texas Caviar

Cowboy caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a flavorful and colorful salsa-style dip that's perfect for parties, picnics, or as a side dish. It typically features a mix of beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and various seasonings. Here's a simple recipe to make cowboy caviar at home:

Ingredients

- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

- 1 can (15 ounces) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

- 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 1 green bell pepper, diced

- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)

- 1/2 red onion, finely diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

- Juice of 2 limes

- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon chili powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, diced bell peppers, jalapeño (if using), red onion, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro.

2. Make the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Combine Everything Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

4. Chill Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the cowboy caviar for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This step can also be done overnight for even better flavor.

5. Serve Once chilled, give the cowboy caviar a final stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

6. Enjoy Enjoy your homemade cowboy caviar as a delicious and healthy appetizer or side dish at your next gathering or as a tasty snack any time!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients like diced avocado, mango, or pineapple for extra sweetness and texture. Cowboy caviar is versatile, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with friends and family alike!