Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa

👩‍🍳 Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa 🍅🌽🌶️

Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa is a delicious and flavorful Southern-inspired dish that combines the earthy flavors of black-eyed peas with a medley of fresh and zesty ingredients. This dish is perfect for parties, picnics, or as a side dish, and it’s known for its unique taste and rich history.

📜 History:
Black-eyed peas have a long history in Southern cuisine, with roots tracing back to Africa. They are often associated with good luck in the American South and are traditionally served on New Year’s Day for good fortune. Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa is a modern twist on this tradition, combining the history of black-eyed peas with the vibrant flavors of salsa.

🧁 Components:
Here are the components of Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa:

• Black-Eyed Peas: The star ingredient, these small, creamy-textured legumes have a slightly nutty flavor.

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add juiciness and a sweet-tart taste.

• Onion: Red or white onion, finely diced, adds a sharp, pungent kick.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers, often red, green, or yellow, provide a sweet and crisp element.

• Corn: Sweet corn kernels, either fresh or frozen, contribute a slight sweetness and crunch.

• Jalapeños: For a bit of heat, jalapeño peppers are finely chopped, but you can adjust the spiciness to your liking.

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves bring a burst of freshness and herbaceous flavor.

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty and tangy kick.

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and cumin are used to enhance the overall flavor.

👩‍🍳 Preparation:
Here’s how to prepare Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa:

1. Start by rinsing and draining your black-eyed peas. You can use canned black-eyed peas or cook dried ones, following the package instructions.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, finely chopped onion, bell peppers, corn kernels, jalapeños (adjust the amount based on your spice preference), and cilantro.

3. In a separate small bowl, mix together freshly squeezed lime juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground cumin.

4. Pour the lime juice mixture over the salsa ingredients and gently toss everything together until well combined.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lime juice, salt, or pepper to your taste.

6. Chill the salsa in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

7. Serve your Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled meats, or as a side dish. It’s a fantastic addition to any gathering.

⏱️ Time Needed:
Preparing Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa typically takes about 15-20 minutes for chopping and mixing the ingredients. However, the salsa benefits from some time in the refrigerator, so plan for at least 30 minutes of chilling time before serving.

Enjoy this flavorful, colorful, and vibrant salsa that combines the history of black-eyed peas with the freshness of a modern twist! 🌞🍽️🎉

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa:

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximately 1/2 cup, not including chips or additional sides):

• Calories: Approximately 90-100 calories
• Protein: 3-4 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 4-6 grams
• Sugars: 3-5 grams
• Fat: 1-2 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 150-300 milligrams (varies based on added salt)
• Vitamin C: About 15-20% of the daily recommended intake
• Vitamin A: Around 8-10% of the daily recommended intake
• Iron: Approximately 6-8% of the daily recommended intake

🥦 Health Information:

• Low in Calories: Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy choice for those looking to manage their caloric intake.

• High in Fiber: This salsa is rich in dietary fiber due to the black-eyed peas, vegetables, and corn. Fiber aids in digestion, helps you feel full, and supports digestive health.

• Vitamins and Minerals: The salsa contains significant amounts of vitamin C, which is essential for immune health and vitamin A, which is crucial for vision and skin health. The iron content contributes to overall health.

• Low in Saturated Fat: The recipe typically contains little to no saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.

• Hydration: The fresh ingredients, like tomatoes and bell peppers, contain water, helping to keep you hydrated.

• Antioxidants: Ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro provide antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

• Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and can be a great source of plant-based protein.

• Gluten-Free: Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

• Spice Level: Adjusting the amount of jalapeños allows you to control the spiciness to your preference.

As with any recipe, the specific nutrition values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. However, Auntie’s Black-Eyed Pea Salsa is generally a healthy and nutritious dish that provides a good balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy it as a tasty and health-conscious addition to your meals! 🥗🌱🍅