Black-eyed pea-corn salad

Black-eyed Pea-Corn Salad Recipe from USA with Sesame Oil and Rice Wine Vinegar

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Black-eyed Pea-Corn Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and delicious dish that combines the hearty flavors of black-eyed peas and corn with the freshness of bell peppers, chicory, and scallions. Dressed in a light and tangy mixture of sesame and peanut oils, orange juice, rice wine vinegar, and a hint of oriental chile paste, this salad is a perfect side dish or a healthy meal on its own. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.

History

The Black-eyed Pea-Corn Salad is a modern take on traditional ingredients, blending the rich culinary traditions of Southern United States and Asian cuisine. Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cooking, often served in dishes like Hoppin' John for good luck on New Year's Day. Corn, another key ingredient, is a native American crop that has been a fundamental part of diets worldwide. This recipe brings these classic ingredients together with Asian-inspired dressings, creating a unique fusion that celebrates global flavors.

Ingredients

2 tsp of sesame oil
2 tsp of peanut oil
1 cup of chopped scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp of chopped fresh ginger
2 tbsp of orange juice
1 tbsp of rice wine vinegar
2 tsp of low-sodium soy sauce
0.5 tsp of granulated sugar
0.13 tsp of oriental chile paste (available at Asian markets)
1 cup of cooked corn, drained
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup of coarsely chopped chicory
8 oz (227 g) of cooked black-eyed peas, drained

How to prepare

In a small nonstick skillet, heat sesame and peanut oil. Add scallions and ginger, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Whisk in juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and chili paste. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine corn, peppers, chicory, and black-eyed peas. Add the dressing and toss well to mix. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Each serving provides: 1 fa, 1 p, 2 v, 0.5 b, 5 cup per serving: 186 calories, 7 g protein, 5 g fat, 31 g carbohydrates, 418 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with this versatile salad by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences. Some popular variations include using quinoa instead of corn, adding avocado for creaminess, or throwing in some chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To maximize the flavors in this salad, use fresh ingredients wherever possible. Fresh corn and bell peppers will add a sweet crunch that can't be matched by their canned or frozen counterparts. When cooking the scallions and ginger, ensure they're just softened and not browned to keep their vibrant flavors. Lastly, letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a more substantial meal. For a complete dining experience, serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread or a bowl of steamed rice.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the quick sautéing of scallions and ginger, which unlocks their flavors without overpowering the salad. The dressing is whisked together to emulsify the ingredients, ensuring a smooth and flavorful coating for the vegetables and beans.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're unable to find chicory, kale or spinach make excellent substitutes. For a soy-free version of the dressing, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. And if oriental chile paste isn't available, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a similar heat.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad tastes even better when made ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this colorful salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase its vibrant ingredients. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs beautifully with crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, a ginger-infused sparkling water complements the flavors of the salad perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the vegetables may become soggy upon thawing.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this delightful salad contains approximately 186 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates, providing about 31 grams per serving. The carbs come from healthy sources like black-eyed peas and vegetables, making it an excellent dish for energy without the heaviness of processed carbs.

Fats

Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of fat, primarily from the sesame and peanut oils. These oils are known for their heart-healthy fats and can help to keep you satisfied.

Proteins

With 7 grams of protein per serving, this salad is a great way to incorporate plant-based protein into your diet. Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of protein that can help in muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables used. Bell peppers are high in Vitamin C, while chicory and scallions provide Vitamin K and folate. Black-eyed peas offer iron and magnesium, making this salad not only tasty but also incredibly nutritious.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame and peanuts, which are common allergens. If you have allergies to these ingredients, consider substituting or omitting them from the dressing.

Summary

Overall, the Black-eyed Pea-Corn Salad is a nutritious dish that offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals. It's relatively low in calories and can be easily modified to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.

Summary

The Black-eyed Pea-Corn Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining nutritious ingredients in a light yet satisfying dish. It's easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a healthy side dish, or a vibrant addition to your dinner table. With its combination of fresh vegetables, hearty black-eyed peas, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Black-eyed pea-corn salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was at the local farmer's market, browsing through the stalls of fresh produce. As I wandered from vendor to vendor, I came across a small stand run by an elderly woman with a weathered face and a warm smile.

I struck up a conversation with her, and she told me that she had been a cook for many years, traveling from town to town and learning new recipes along the way. She offered me a taste of her Black-eyed pea-corn salad, and as soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to have the recipe.

She chuckled when I asked her for it, saying that it was a family secret passed down from generation to generation. But after a bit of pleading and cajoling, she finally relented and agreed to write it down for me on a crumpled piece of paper.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could hardly contain my excitement. Black-eyed peas, corn, bell peppers, onions, and a tangy dressing made with vinegar and honey. It sounded like the perfect summer dish, light and refreshing yet still packed with flavor.

I rushed home to my kitchen, eager to recreate the salad for my family. I carefully measured out each ingredient, following the instructions to a tee. As the salad came together, the colors of the vegetables mingling with the dressing, I knew I had done the recipe justice.

When I served it to my family that evening, their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites. The flavors exploded in their mouths, the sweetness of the corn balancing perfectly with the tanginess of the dressing. They couldn't get enough, going back for second and third helpings.

From that day on, Black-eyed pea-corn salad became a staple in our household. I would make it for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. I would smile and simply say that it was a family secret, just like the woman at the farmer's market had told me.

Years passed, and my own grandchildren grew up watching me make the salad, their eyes wide with curiosity. They would ask me where I learned to make it, and I would tell them the story of the elderly woman at the farmer's market who had shared her secret recipe with me.

As they grew older, I taught them how to make the salad themselves, passing down the recipe from generation to generation, just like the woman had done with me. I watched with pride as they carefully measured out the ingredients and mixed them together, creating a dish that brought our family together in a way that only food can.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of my family, I can't help but feel grateful for that chance encounter at the farmer's market all those years ago. It brought me a recipe that has become a cherished tradition in our family, a dish that will always remind us of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And as I take a bite of the Black-eyed pea-corn salad that my granddaughter has made, I can't help but smile, knowing that this recipe will continue to be passed down through the generations, bringing joy and connection to my family for years to come.