Cowboy Caviar

There are many versions of this recipe around, some called “Poor Man’s Caviar.” What seems distinctive about the recipe, and makes it different from other bean salads, is the inclusion of an unusual kind of corn: either shoepeg corn (a somewhat sweet variant of white corn) or hominy (dried maize treated with a lime or lye solution, which increases the availability of nutrients and develops the flavor). Both shoepeg corn and hominy are available canned with the vegetables: I see Green Giant brand shoepeg corn, and Goya brand hominy.

You often see this dish at a party spread with those corn chip cups (not oil-free by a long shot). You could easily turn it into a main dish: it already draws on 3 of the four food groups with beans, veggies, and the corn counting as a grain. It would be nice paired with some baked sweet potato, or quinoa or other grain, and a green vegetable and green salad on the side.

Thanks to Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute team member Bruce Pollock for often bringing this dish to plant-based potlucks and parties!