Texas Caviar Recipe
a.ka. Cowboy Caviar

I like to serve this Texas Caviar recipe on Rosh Hashanna because black eyed peas are one of the traditional simanim. Sephardic Jews of Egypt ate black-eyed peas for the siman reminding Hashem that we depend on His mercy to increase our merits for a favorable judgement. "Rubia" means "increase" and it sounds like "lubia," the Arabic word for this legume. Read more about the simanam.

Any Texas Caviar Recipe is a bean salsa featuring black eyed peas. It is a Southern Favorite called "caviar" because of its rich flavor. You can use this to make a favorite Cowboy Caviar recipe, too. Simply replace the peas with black beans. This winner either way gets a boost of flavor from pineapple, and it's a snappy compliment to the spiciness of the jalapeno. (on Rosh Hashanna, it may be preferable to leave out the spicy jalapeno, in keeping with the custom to serve sweet foods.)

1 (14.5 ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained

1 cup pineapple, finely diced

1 sweet onion (such as Vidalia), chopped

1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

8 slices pickled or fresh jalapeno pepper, finely chopped, optional

4 red bell peppers, halved and seeded -OR- one (16 ounce) jar fire roasted peppers

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons lime juice (from 2 medium limes)

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. In a mixing bowl, combine black-eyed peas, pineapple, onion, cilantro and jalapeno pepper, if using.

2. Preheat broiler and place oven rack in the top position. Line a large baking pan with foil. Place peppers cut side down on the foil and broil until skins are black, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Using the foil lining the pan, wrap the peppers tightly and set aside for 10 minutes. This will steam the peppers and allow the skin to slip off easily. Peel the skin from the peppers. Any skin that will not slip off may remain. Chop the peppers and add to bean mixture. (Alternatively, drain and chop jarred fire roasted peppers.)

3. In another bowl, whisk together oil, mustard, lime juice, honey, salt and pepper. Toss with vegetables. Chill several hours. Serve cold as a salad, dip or condiment with grilled chicken or fish.

Remember to try Cowboy Caviar, too. Just replace the peas with black beans. Did you know Hashem pored enormous health benefits into black beans and other legumes? See what health benefits you are getting from this Texas Caviar Recipe and other bean recipes like Elegant Red Bean and Barley Soup (perfect for serving parsha Toldos!).