"In With the New" Black-Eyed Pea Salad

From "The Infinite Feast: How to Host the Ones You Love—Recipes from the Big Easy . . . and Beyond" by Brian Theis, 2020 Click here for more on my best-selling cookbook!

Perfect for good luck in the New Year, or anytime! About as delicious as a salad can be. Black-eyed peas with tomatoes represent prosperity and health. Serve with cornbread which represents gold. (Bake up a quick pan of Belle Reve Cornbread from the Comfort Food and Thanksgiving-themed sections on this site!) In the South, cabbage or collards are frequently part of the lucky menu.

"In With the New" Black-Eyed Pea Salad

aka Texas Caviar

Makes 16 Servings

12 scallions, white and green parts, sliced thin

1 red onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper

1 can (10 ounces) Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilis, drained

1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

2 cans (15.5 ounces each) blackeyed peas, drained

In large bowl, combine scallions, red onion, green pepper, chili powder, cumin, cilantro, vinegar, black pepper, stir together thoroughly. Add Ro-Tel tomatoes, corn, blackeyed peas, stir together thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.