Author Adapted by Lisa Fain from a Helen Corbitt recipe
Ingredients
1pounddried black-eyed peas or 2 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
Kosher salt
½medium red onion, cut into thin slivers
2clovesgarlic, smashed
1jalapeño, cut into rings (optional)
1/2 to ¾cupcanola or olive oil (see note)
¼cupred wine vinegar
¼teaspoonblack pepper
Instructions
If starting with dried black-eyed peas, place the peas and about 1 tablespoon salt in a large pot, cover with 2 inches of water, and either soak overnight or for a quick soak, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover the pot for 1 hour.
After the peas have soaked, bring to a boil then turn the heat down to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Remove the lid, then continue to simmer until tender, about 1 hour. Drain the peas. (If using canned black-eyed peas, you can skip these steps.)
Place the cooked peas in a bowl and stir in the onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Whisk together the oil and vinegar until well blended then pour the dressing over the peas and stir until well combined. Add the pepper than add salt to taste, about ½ teaspoon.
Chill in the refrigerator covered for at least 4 hours before serving, though they will get even more tangy and flavorful the longer they sit. The pickled black-eyed peas will last for a week in the refrigerator. Corbitt recommended serving them with a plate and fork, though they can be served as a garnish or a dip, too.
Notes
The original recipe called for 1 cup of salad oil. I used olive oil, as that's what I use in my salads and I prefer the flavor, but it does solidify in the refrigerator. Another reader uses canola, which will stay more fluid, so you may prefer to that instead. Also, I cut the amount down to 3/4 cup but a couple of people have said they think that's still a bit much, so you may want to use 1/2 cup instead.