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Black-Eyed Pea and Tomato Salad

Black-Eyed Pea and Tomato Salad

By Laura RussellOctober 17, 2023

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    1 hour
  • Active time plus cooling
    20 minutes active
  • Rating

This simple salad of earthy-sweet black-eyed peas, crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs stars a smooth, rich garlicky dressing. We simmer a whole head of garlic with the beans, softening and mellowing its flavor, to make the dressing, and we add it to the black-eyed peas while they’re still warm, allowing them to absorb ample flavor as they cool. It’s important to gently incorporate the ingredients; aggressive stirring will turn the black-eyed peas to mush.

Ingredients
  • 1

    head garlic, top third cut off and discarded

  • 8

    ounces (1½ cups) dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

  • 1

    pint cherry OR grape tomatoes, halved

  • 3

    tablespoons white wine vinegar OR red wine vinegar

  • 3

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 2

    medium celery stalks, chopped

  • 1

    cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley OR basil, roughly chopped

Step 1

In a large saucepan, combine the garlic head and black-eyed peas. Add 6 cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high. Boil for 5 minutes, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the peas are fully tender but still hold their shape, 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss the tomatoes with ½ teaspoon salt; set aside.

Step 2

When the peas are done, drain them in a colander. Using tongs, remove the garlic head and squeeze the cloves into a small bowl; discard the skins. Using a fork, mash the garlic cloves until mostly smooth. Stir in the vinegar, oil and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Step 3

Transfer the still-warm peas to the tomatoes, then add the dressing and gently stir to combine. Stir in the celery and parsley, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with additional oil.

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