Spicy Southern Bean Medley
Introducing the Spicy Southern Bean Medley, a vibrant and fun dish that embodies the spirit of Southern kitchens. This crowd-pleasing dish is a delightful blend of black-eyed peas, colorful peppers, and zesty tomatoes, making it not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Whether served as a dip with your favorite tortilla chips or as a side dish at barbecues and gatherings, it adapts seamlessly to fit your personal taste. Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients like jalapeños for extra heat or black-eyed pea relish for a twist. This versatile recipe is perfect for casual get-togethers and will have people of all ages coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
black-eyed peas
2 (15 7/8 ounce) cans (drained)
shoe peg corn
2 (10 ounce) cans (drained)
Ro-Tel tomatoes
2 (10 ounce) cans (drained)
black olives
1 (15 7/8 ounce) can (chopped)
green pepper
1 (chopped really small)
red pepper
1 (chopped really small)
black beans
1 (15 7/8 ounce) can (drained)
purple onion
1 larger (chopped really small)
ripe tomatoes
3 (chopped small)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
onion powder
1 teaspoon
cumin
1 teaspoon
chili powder
1 teaspoon (optional)
parsley flakes
1 teaspoon
Italian dressing
16 ounces (house or zesty)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained black-eyed peas, shoe peg corn, Ro-Tel tomatoes, chopped black olives, green pepper, red pepper, black beans, chopped purple onion, and ripe tomatoes.
2
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder (if using), and parsley flakes to the mixed ingredients.
3
Pour in the Italian dressing and gently toss all the ingredients until well combined.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, allowing the flavors to intermingle and develop. This step is crucial for achieving the dish’s best taste.
5
Before serving, give the mixture a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature with Tostitos Scoops or your chip of choice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Southern Bean Medley?
It is a vibrant and fun Southern-style dish featuring black-eyed peas, colorful peppers, and zesty tomatoes that can be served as a dip or a side.
What are the primary ingredients in this medley?
The main ingredients include black-eyed peas, shoe peg corn, Ro-Tel tomatoes, black olives, green and red peppers, black beans, purple onion, and ripe tomatoes.
How long does this dish need to refrigerate?
For the best taste, the mixture should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to intermingle and develop.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add ingredients like jalapeños or extra chili powder to increase the heat level.
What is the best way to serve the Spicy Southern Bean Medley?
It is traditionally served chilled or at room temperature with Tostitos Scoops or your favorite tortilla chips.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it consists of beans, vegetables, spices, and Italian dressing.
Should the canned beans and corn be drained?
Yes, the black-eyed peas, shoe peg corn, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and black beans should all be drained before mixing.
What type of Italian dressing should I use?
The recipe suggests using 16 ounces of either house or zesty Italian dressing.
Can I add other ingredients for a twist?
Absolutely! You can get creative by adding items like black-eyed pea relish for a unique variation.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The green peppers, red peppers, and purple onions should be chopped really small, while the tomatoes and olives should be chopped small.
Is there any cooking involved in this recipe?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves combining ingredients and chilling them.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, parsley flakes, and optional chili powder.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While the recipe calls for purple onion for color and flavor, you can substitute with other onions if necessary.
What makes this dish look colorful?
The combination of green and red peppers, purple onions, yellow corn, and red tomatoes creates a festive, multi-colored appearance.
How many cans of black-eyed peas are needed?
The recipe calls for two 15 7/8 ounce cans of black-eyed peas.
Is chili powder mandatory for this recipe?
No, the chili powder is listed as an optional ingredient.
How many ripe tomatoes are used?
The recipe requires three ripe tomatoes, chopped small.
Can this be served as a side dish at a BBQ?
Yes, it is a versatile dish that works perfectly as a side for barbecues and social gatherings.
What size cans of Ro-Tel tomatoes are used?
You will need two 10 ounce cans of Ro-Tel tomatoes.
Do I need to stir it before serving?
Yes, give the mixture a good stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Is shoe peg corn different from regular corn?
Shoe peg corn is a specific variety of white corn with narrow, elongated kernels, though regular corn can be used as a substitute.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned beans for convenience, you can use cooked dried beans as long as they are properly prepared and drained.
How should the bowl be stored in the fridge?
The bowl should be covered with plastic wrap while it refrigerates for at least 8 hours.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the vibrant colors and mild flavor profile (unless extra spice is added) make it popular with people of all ages.
How many cans of black beans are required?
The recipe calls for one 15 7/8 ounce can of black beans.
What kind of mixing bowl is recommended?
A large mixing bowl is necessary to accommodate all the beans, vegetables, and dressing.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for one teaspoon of parsley flakes.
What is the purpose of the cumin?
Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the Southern and bean-based elements of the dish.
Can I serve this at room temperature?
Yes, the medley can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for large crowds?
Yes, the Spicy Southern Bean Medley is described as a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for parties and gatherings.