by Eileen Thai

Created on: December 02, 2010

If you are looking for a unique appetizer that is not only healthy but also delicious and easy to make, black eye peas salsa is the recipe you need. The flavor of the vinaigrette with the black eye peas will tantalize your taste buds. This appetizer is a wonderful addition to your menu for cocktail or holiday parties.

Black eye peas are widely grown in the south, and hence a familiar ingredient in many Southern dishes. They are associated with luck, and are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day.

The following black eye peas salsa recipe is adapted from a dish served at Lulu’s restaurant (owned by Jimmy Buffet’s sister Lucy in Gulf Shores, Alabama.) The recipe serves lots, which is great for the holidays when parties are in full swing, but you can also halve the recipe. Every time I made the black eye peas salsa, I never failed to impress my guests. I’m sure your guests will love it too. Enjoy!

Ingredients
4 (15-oz) cans black-eye peas, rinsed and drained
1 cup green bell pepper, diced
1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup red onion, diced
1 cup cilantro, finely chopped

Dressing
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¾ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt and black pepper. Set aside.

2. In large glass bowl, toss together the black eye peas, all the bell peppers, red onions and cilantro.

3. Pour dressing over the black eye peas and toss to combine.

4. Transfer to plastic container, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-eyed_pea

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