Growing up it seems like I ate every bean imaginable, but black-eyed peas were always on the weekly menu. I swore when I moved out on my own, I would never eat another bean as long as I lived.
My self-imposed strike did not last long because Suite Suzy got me hooked on her pinto beans, which are much better than my momma’s. I also reneged when I started to like black-eyed peas in salads. I find them much tastier not boiled to death & sopping in thick ham hock sauce served with a huge piece of hot water cornbread.
With that said, here is the dinner that I prepared tonight; black-eyed pea salad served with feta atop Swiss chard & herb grilled chicken breast.
Ingredients:
– 2 Cans of black-eyed peas (in water)
– 1 Jalapeño
– 1 Stick of celery
– Small red onion
– Cilantro
– Red Pepper
– Lemon
– Basil
– Favorite vinaigrette dressing (I used Paul Newman’s balsamic & basil vinaigrette)
Procedure:
– Open peas & rinse in colander under cold water
– Chop veggies
– Finely mince cilantro & basil
– Pull out your favorite citrus zester to peel the lemon
– Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl the toss
– Pour in your vinaigrette, at least a ½ cup to the bowl then toss
– Salt & pepper to taste
– Serve chilled
brunsli / March 17, 2008
Yumm!
Invisible Woman / March 17, 2008
So healthy!
I’ve never really liked blackeyed peas either, probably cause I’ve only had the kind like your mom made, lol 🙂
But your recipe makes me want to try it out–I haven’t had them prepared this way and I think I might like it.
ingridspeak / March 17, 2008
I have been on Black eyed peas boycott for 20 years. That whole ham juice gravy concoction is enough to turn a stomach made of steel. I would be willing to try your recipe if I was offered but I am still too scarred to make it on my own.
Torrance Stephens bka All-Mi-T / March 17, 2008
u are the regular urban chef
Los Angelista / March 17, 2008
I haven’t had them in ages because they always tasted gross when my granny made them. See, I know you’re talented since you can make BEP’s look good. Now if only someone could do the same for the musical group…
Tamra / March 17, 2008
Alright man, you reminded me that I need to catch up on commenting over here. It’s your fault I’m trying to manage two blogs. ;’) {joking…}
In any case, go on with your bad self. It looks good!!! I love most beans–and black eyed peas are one of my faves. You ever try cooking with garbanzos (chick peas)?
Tamra / March 17, 2008
That was supposed to be a smiley face with a sideways nose. It doesn’t look too good. This will suffice instead:
😉
Bygbaby / March 17, 2008
Brunsli – It was soooo good & looking forward to my leftovers for lunch today!
Invisible Woman/Ingrid- Trying to step my healthier eating habits up. “I’ve never really liked black-eyed peas either, probably cause I’ve only had the kind like your mom made…”. I think many of use are turned off by those childhood country meals.
Thinking back, I remember that smell that used to make me gag. Then there was that ham hock bobbing up & down in the pot. YUK
Torrance – LOL. Cooking is fun!!!
Liz – I wonder how many Negroes under for living outside of the south still eat black-eyed peas the was we used to? I think everyone has a hate hate relationship with eating BEP.
As for the BEP group, they are not the best but there are a few songs that I really like.
Tamra – I am not a garbanzo bean fan but will fuck up some hummus!
I may come around on that one one day.
Yes, i did put you to the blog task & you have been kicking but. You know you like it!!!
Bygbaby
Ro~ / March 17, 2008
Talk ’bout presentation!!! Boy, that looks good, eventhough they lookin’ back at me. I don’t like blackeyed peas, they taste gritty.
Lola Gets / March 17, 2008
That salad looks good. Ive been looking for bean recipies and I just might try this one. I found another black-eyed peas salad recipe, that has ham in it. I might try it anyways, just not use as much ham as its called for.
Yeah, I started eating the pork again. This past Saturday, I had a ham sandwich, tho I didnt mean to, lol.
L
Bygbaby / March 17, 2008
Ro – LOL!!! You they they half blind.
Lola – I think with a bean salad, you really don’t need the meet since they are packed with protein but ham does sound good!!!
Bygbaby
Tamra / March 17, 2008
Why thank you dear! (the blog) Yeah, I have to admit, I do like it–I straight-up needed the outlet it has become.
You into fava beans? I used to absolutely love them before Silence of the Lambs… BTW, I didn’t have time to post comments on the others, but the other recipes look really good too. Will have to check them out.
Malik / March 17, 2008
You know if your momma reads this you can’t never go home for thanksgiving right?
Bygbaby / March 18, 2008
Tamra – I have not touched a fava bean since Silence of the Lambs came out. “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.” Funny how a movie can fuck with your real life. LOL!!!
Malik – Luckily for me, she does not have the internet. LOL!!!
Bygbaby
Naturally Sophia / March 18, 2008
real yummy!
Stephen Bess / March 19, 2008
You got skills, bro.
Bygbaby / March 19, 2008
Thx Sophia & Stephen!!!
Bygbaby