Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that brings the heart of Southern cooking right to your plate! This Chayote and Black Eyed Pea Relish is not just a side dish – it's a vibrant celebration of flavors that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. With its perfect balance of textures and a zesty kick, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, guaranteed to impress everyone from family gatherings to fancy dinner parties.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chayotes, diced
- 1 cup black-eyed peas, cooked
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and dicing chayotes, onions, and bell peppers. Ensure black-eyed peas are pre-cooked and drained.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing it to shimmer but not smoke.
- Add finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce diced bell peppers to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add diced chayotes to the skillet, stirring to combine with onions and peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes until chayotes become tender but still maintain a slight crispness.
- Incorporate cooked black-eyed peas into the vegetable mixture, gently stirring to distribute evenly.
- Drizzle apple cider vinegar over the relish, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and let the relish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or condiment.
Tips
- Chayote Selection: Choose firm, light green chayotes without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Like a Pro: Wear gloves when cutting chayotes, as some people may experience mild skin irritation from their natural sap.
- Cooking Technique: Keep your skillet at medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the vegetables.
- Vinegar Tip: Add the apple cider vinegar at the end to preserve its bright, tangy flavor and prevent it from becoming too muted.
- Make Ahead: This relish actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as a side dish, a topping for grilled meats, or even as a unique salsa for chips.
- Customization: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick of heat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
