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Black-Eyed Pea and Pumpkin Salad

May 6, 2008

Black-eyed peas have long been associated with good luck. Of these ”good luck” traditions, one dates back to the U.S. Civil War. Union troops, especially in areas targeted by General William Tecumseh Sherman, would typically strip the countryside of all stored food, crops, and livestock and destroy whatever they couldn’t carry away. At that time, Northerners considered “field peas” and corn suitable only for animal fodder, and as a result didn’t steal or destroy these humble foods. Many Southerners survived as a result of this mistake.

Servings: Makes 4 to 6 servings.

INGREDIENTS

Peas

  • 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Pumpkin

  • 1 1/2 cups 1/2-inch cubes seeded peeled sugar pumpkin or butternut squash (about 6 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced

Salad

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
  • 1 plum tomato, seeded, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

PREPARATION

For peas:

Place peas in large saucepan. Add enough water to cover by 3 inches. Let peas soak 2 hours. Drain peas; return to same pan. Add 4 cups water, onion, bay leaf, and salt. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium, cover partially, and simmer until peas are tender, about 30 minutes. Discard onion and bay leaf. Drain. Transfer peas to rimmed baking sheet to cool. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

For pumpkin:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange pumpkin in single layer in 8×8x2-inch glass baking dish. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons water and oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until tender when pierced, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add garlic; stir to coat. Cool.

For salad:

Whisk oil and lime juice in bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Combine all remaining ingredients and peas in large bowl. Add dressing; toss. Season with salt and pepper. Add pumpkin; toss. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)

Written by alice · Filed Under Recipes 

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