Poor Man’s Caviar (aka Texas Caviar)
This simple Poor Man’s Caviar recipe features black beans and pinto beans instead of the traditional black-eyed peas. Marinated with garlic, red onion, peppers, tomatoes, and parsley in a tangy red wine vinaigrette, these humble ingredients parlay into pure magic. The result is an addictively delicious dip that is sure to please a crowd…I dare you to eat just one bite!
Why I Love This Easy Poor Man’s Caviar Recipe
This dip only takes a few minutes to prepare, and then just let it sit! This recipe is:
Vegan
Quick to prepare, and then just it marinate!
Easy
Healthy
Garlicky
Tangy
High Fiber
Dairy-Free
Gluten-Free
A total crowd-pleaser!
What is Poor Man’s Caviar?
Poor Man’s Caviar is also known as Texas Caviar, Cowboy Caviar, or Redneck Caviar. Essentially it is a marinated bean dish that is most commonly served as a dip with tortilla chips. Think of it as somewhere between three bean salad and salsa. Poor Man’s Caviar with Italian dressing (the marinade) can also be served as a salad or side dish.
Texas Caviar originated in Texas in the 1940’s when Helen Corbitt, the food director at Neiman Marcus, was served the dish in Houston. She later served the dish herself, calling it Texas Caviar as a humorous comparison to true caviar because of the similar shapes of the black-eyed pea and a particular type of caviar.
Over time, the various related names mentioned above have also stuck.
Traditionally, Texas Caviar uses black-eyed peas as the key ingredient. However, this recipe is written without black-eyed peas because they are often difficult to find. Instead, I use black beans and pinto beans.
More recent interpretations Texas Caviar sometimes have a bit of Tex-Mex influence, adding such ingredients like corn, avocado, and cilantro. However, I prefer the Italian flavors of red wine vinegar and parsley as they are less commonly blended with beans in dips and therefore make a more unique tasting appetizer.
Ingredient Notes
- Beans: Beans are the star of this dip. While Texas Caviar traditionally calls for black-eyed peas, I have a hard time finding them consistently. Therefore, I offer an alternative in this recipe of black beans and pinto beans. And they are just as tasty!
- Red Wine Vinegar: The vinegar makes the magic in this dish…it parlays the individual ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece that you wouldn’t expect from lowly beans!
- Parsley: What I love about this dip is that while it looks like salsa, it really is not! The vinegar and parsley give the dish a unique tangy, almost Italian flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic lovers, this recipe does not disappoint! I always prefer fresh garlic, and the longer it marinates, the more garlicky deliciousness comes through.
- Red Onion: Onion adds natural sweetness to the dip. The oniony bite will temper the longer the dish marinates.
- Tomatoes: While this recipe doesn’t use many, the tomatoes add natural acidity and sweetness to the dish. I prefer to take the seeds out to keep the veggies more crisp.
- Bell Pepper: The recipe uses a whole bell pepper, which gives the caviar plenty of fresh crunch. Plus the sweetness balances out the tartness from the vinegar.
- Jalapeño: Not only does the pepper give the dish a bit of spice, it adds to the overall flavor. Take the seeds out for a mild dip or keep some/all in!
- Hot Sauce: Optional, but I always add plenty! Another idea is to leave a jar of hot sauce on the side of the bowl so guests can add their own.
- Olive Oil: The oil helps round out the flavor of the marinade, balancing out the tanginess a bit. But if you are aiming for WFPB feel free to omit the oil.
Substitutions
- If you can get your hands on black-eyed peas, by all means, use them (either in place of the beans or in addition). Their firmer texture works perfectly in the marinade.
- Other legumes like red beans, white beans, and chickpeas will also work in this dish.
- White wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice can substitute for red wine vinegar if needed.
- Cilantro, green onion, or chives can replace parsley.
- Green bell pepper or serrano pepper can replace jalapeño pepper.
- Jarred minced garlic, dried minced garlic, granulated garlic, or garlic powder can substitute for fresh garlic. Use this garlic conversion chart for accurate measurements.
Additions
As mentioned above, a variety of legumes can be used instead of or in addition to the black, pinto, and black-eyed peas. Other additions could include corn, green onions, avocado, cumin, coriander, and cilantro. Many recipes even include sugar or another sweetener to balance out the acid.
How to Make Vegan Cowboy Caviar: Step by Step
The method is simple with just two key steps.
- First, make the marinade. Simply whisk together marinade ingredients in bowl.
- Then add in all other dip ingredients. Gently stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 3-48 hours before serving.
Pin this Vegan Poor Man’s Caviar recipe for later:
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer or starter: Simply serve with tortilla chips or plantain crisps.
- Side dish or salad: Serve on its own or over a bed of greens. Poor Man’s Caviar pairs especially well with BBQ, burgers, sausages, cajun, or soul food.
Expert Tips
- Be sure to rinse and drain the beans completely. If they are watery, the dip will be watery and the marinade will be diluted.
- If you have a storage container with a lid that is large enough to fit the Poor Man’s Caviar, use it! It will be easier to marinade as you can shake, tilt, and flip the container to evenly coat the mixture with the dressing.
- Aim to make the dip at least 3 hours before serving. If you are short on time, make it the day before! Trust me, it is better the longer it sits.
Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. Or freeze in air tight container for up to 4 months.
FAQs
Traditionally, the main ingredients are black-eyed peas, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic in a tangy vinaigrette. Some recipes use other beans and spices, as well as Tex-Mex-inspired ingredients like corn and avocado.
No. Cowboy Caviar features beans as the star ingredient instead of tomatoes, and often has a vinegar-based dressing.
It is an uberhealthy dish, especially if you skip the chips! It is high in fiber, low in calories, and high in potassium and vitamin A.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may like:
- Kale and White Bean Dip
- Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Vegan Stuffed Artichokes
- Marinated Tomato Salad
- Easy Trader Joe’s Vegan Appetizer Ideas
- Vegan Beans & Greens
- Quick Healthy Snack Ideas (especially for breastfeeding moms)
Please, let me know what you think of this easy fennel recipe once you try it by rating and commenting below!
Cheers!
–Jenn
Poor Man’s Caviar
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced about 3 cloves
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- black pepper to taste
Dip Ingredients
- 15 ounce can black beans
- 15 ounce can pinto beans
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped or sub herb of choice
- 1 cup tomatoes, seeded and chopped about 2-3 medium
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped red, yellow, or orange
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped* see note
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Whisk together vinegar, oil (starting with 1/4 teaspoon), garlic, onion, salt, and pepper in large bowl or food storage container with lid.
- Add other ingredients. Gently stir to combine.
- Cover and store in refrigerator for at least 3 hours, up to 48 hours. Mix or flip container (if well secure) about half way through marinating to allow flavors to blend.
- Taste and add additional salt and/or another splash of vinegar as desired. Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer. Or over greens as a side/salad.