Black-eyed Pea Salad

Delicious Vegan Black-eyed Pea Salad Recipe from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Black-eyed Pea Salad is a refreshing, nutritious, and versatile dish that can serve as a perfect side or a light main course. This salad combines the earthy flavors of black-eyed peas with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the tanginess of your favorite salad dressing, creating a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Ideal for health-conscious individuals, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.

History

The use of black-eyed peas in cooking dates back to ancient times, with their cultivation believed to have started in West Africa. The legume then spread through trade and migration to Asia and the Americas. In the Southern United States, black-eyed peas became a staple, especially celebrated in dishes served for good luck on New Year's Day. The Black-eyed Pea Salad is a modern take on this ancient legume, transforming it into a cold salad that's both nutritious and refreshing.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) dry black-eyed peas, soaked
2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
0.25 cup of minced onion
3 bouillon cubes
0.5 cup of finely chopped onions
0.5 cup of shredded carrots
1 cup of thinly sliced celery
0.5 cup of chopped green pepper
0.5 cup of your favorite salad dressing
4 cups of chopped lettuce

How to prepare

Soak the beans. Drain and discard the water from the soaked beans.
Cover the beans with 3 qt (2.84 liters) of water and add minced garlic, onion, and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, approximately 30 minutes.
Drain and discard the cooking broth. Quickly chill the beans in the refrigerator, uncovered.
Mix the beans with the remaining ingredients and chill once again to blend the flavors.
Spoon the mixture onto chopped lettuce.

Variations

Consider adding diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber for extra freshness. For a spicy kick, a finely chopped jalapeño can be included.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Black-eyed Pea Salad is as flavorful as possible, consider these tips:

- Soak the black-eyed peas overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor in your salad.

- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to your salad dressing.

- Chill the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served on its own or as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or a slice of crusty bread for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing this salad is simmering the black-eyed peas until tender but not mushy, ensuring they maintain a pleasant texture in the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If black-eyed peas are not available, feel free to substitute with chickpeas, kidney beans, or any other bean of your choice. Red onion can be used instead of white onion for a sharper flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made a day ahead, as the flavors develop more fully when chilled overnight in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful mix of ingredients. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for an added touch of green.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors of this salad.

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 3 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Black-eyed Pea Salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option for those watching their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

Black-eyed peas are a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy without spiking blood sugar levels. In this salad, a serving contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates, making it a filling yet balanced option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

This salad is low in fats, with most of the fat content coming from the salad dressing. Depending on the dressing used, a serving typically contains between 5 to 10 grams of fat. Opting for a low-fat or homemade dressing can help keep the fat content in check.

Proteins

Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this salad a great option for vegetarians and vegans. A serving of this salad provides about 13 grams of protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

Black-eyed peas are rich in several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin K, folate, and iron. Combined with the variety of vegetables in the salad, a serving is packed with nutrients essential for maintaining good health.

Alergens

This salad is naturally gluten-free and nut-free. However, those with specific food allergies should check the ingredients list of the salad dressing used to ensure it meets their dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, Black-eyed Pea Salad is a nutritious dish, low in fats and calories but high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It's a balanced meal option that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Summary

Black-eyed Pea Salad is a nutritious, flavorful, and versatile dish that embodies the rich history and culinary creativity associated with black-eyed peas. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a healthy side, or a make-ahead meal option, this salad is sure to delight with its blend of textures, flavors, and nutrients.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was at a potluck gathering in the small town where I grew up, and my neighbor Mrs. Jennings had brought a dish that caught my eye. It was a beautiful Black-eyed Pea Salad, with colorful bell peppers, corn, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I approached Mrs. Jennings and asked her for the recipe. She smiled warmly and told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. She invited me over to her house the following week to learn how to make it.

When I arrived at Mrs. Jennings' house, she welcomed me into her cozy kitchen and began to show me how to make the salad. She explained that the key to a good Black-eyed Pea Salad was to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. She showed me how to cook the black-eyed peas until they were tender but still firm, and how to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for the perfect texture.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Mrs. Jennings shared stories with me about her family and their love for cooking. She told me how her grandmother had taught her how to make the salad when she was just a young girl, and how it had become a staple at family gatherings ever since.

After we finished making the salad, Mrs. Jennings invited me to sit down at her dining table and enjoy a bowl with her. I took a bite and was immediately transported back to that potluck gathering where I first tasted this delicious dish. The flavors were bright and fresh, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

I thanked Mrs. Jennings profusely for sharing her recipe with me and promised to carry on the tradition of making Black-eyed Pea Salad in my own home. She smiled and told me that she was happy to pass on the recipe to someone who appreciated it as much as I did.

Over the years, I have made Black-eyed Pea Salad countless times for family gatherings, potluck dinners, and even just as a simple side dish for a weeknight meal. Each time I make it, I think of Mrs. Jennings and the special bond we formed that day in her kitchen.

I have since added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating different vegetables and experimenting with different dressings. But no matter how I change it up, the core of the recipe remains the same – fresh, colorful ingredients mixed together with love and care.

My grandchildren have grown to love Black-eyed Pea Salad just as much as I do, and they always request it whenever they come over for dinner. I am proud to pass on this family recipe to the next generation, just as Mrs. Jennings did for me all those years ago.

As I sit here writing this story, I can't help but feel grateful for the connections that food has allowed me to make with others. From Mrs. Jennings to my grandchildren, Black-eyed Pea Salad has brought joy and togetherness to my family for generations. And for that, I am truly thankful.