Print

Fresh Cowboy Caviar Recipe with Crispy Homemade Tortilla Chips

fresh cowboy caviar recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh, zesty mix of colorful beans, tomatoes, and corn paired with crispy homemade tortilla chips. Perfect for casual gatherings or a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh corn kernels (frozen works too)
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey or agave syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn tortillas (yellow or white)
  • About 2 cups (470 ml) vegetable oil or avocado oil for frying
  • Sea salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine rinsed black beans, black-eyed peas, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to mix.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey or agave, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Pour the dressing over the bean and veggie mixture and toss until everything is coated. Let sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature or chill in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
  4. Stack the corn tortillas and cut each into 6 to 8 wedges.
  5. Pour oil into a medium skillet to about 1/2 inch depth and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 350°F / 175°C).
  6. Fry tortilla wedges in batches for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a cooling rack.
  7. While still warm, sprinkle chips lightly with sea salt. Repeat frying with remaining wedges, maintaining oil temperature.
  8. Serve the cowboy caviar in a bowl alongside the warm, crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

Rinse canned beans well to remove excess sodium and tinny taste. Let the caviar rest to meld flavors. Fry chips in small batches to avoid sogginess. Fresh lime juice is preferred for best flavor. Baking chips is an option for a lighter version but frying yields best crispness. Reheat chips in a 350°F oven to restore crispness if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, homemade tortilla chips, fresh salsa, bean salad, appetizer, snack, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-recipe-with-crispy-homemade-tortilla-chips-easy-guide/