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Flavorful Cowboy Caviar Recipe with Charred Corn and Avocado Crema

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A smoky, creamy, and fresh cowboy caviar with charred corn and avocado crema that makes a perfect, easy snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (can swap for dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Preheat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the fresh corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until they develop a nice char and slight caramelization, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. While the corn chars, finely dice the red bell pepper, tomato (seeded), and chop the red onion and cilantro. Rinse and drain the black beans and black-eyed peas thoroughly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. In a large bowl, gently combine the beans, peas, diced vegetables, cilantro, and charred corn. Pour the dressing over and toss lightly to coat evenly. Avoid overmixing.
  5. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water or more lime juice if needed to loosen.
  6. Spoon the cowboy caviar into a serving bowl and dollop or drizzle the avocado crema on top. Swirl the crema if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks.
  7. Optional: Refrigerate the cowboy caviar for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, but add avocado crema just before serving.

Notes

Use ripe avocados for smooth crema. Fresh corn is preferred for charring but frozen works in a pinch. Drain and rinse beans well to avoid watery dip. Avoid overmixing to keep beans intact. Keep avocado crema separate if storing leftovers to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, charred corn, avocado crema, snack, easy recipe, smoky, creamy, bean dip