My daughter and her friends were gathered in our kitchen last evening, as I was sitting at the computer paying bills. I wasn’t really tuned into their conversation until I heard the term “Cowboy Caviar.” Fingers came off the keyboard, body turned and mouth opened, “what in the world is Cowboy Caviar?” And should it be capitalized? Is it a proper noun or just some slang term? I got my answer, and then some.
I’m told by those in the know (my daughter and friends), that there’s a Cowboy Caviar craze going on and it started TikTok, of course. How did I miss it? I love the food trends on TikTok. And this recipe looks amazing. I’ve made something similar as a side dish, but with less ingredients. Now, apparently the Cowboy Caviar craze is not without it’s controversary. Precisely why the girls were talking about it. I was hoping the subject came up because one of them was going to make it. No such luck.
TikToker Bria Lemirande created her version of the salad/dip based on a dish she had growing up. The origins date back to the 1940s and 50s, and according to Southern Living. The dish was created by the food director at Neimann Marcus, Helen Corbit, a native New Yorker. She served it on New Years Eve at the Houston Country Club where it was called “Texas Caviar.” The orignal dish was mostly pickled black eyed peas.
Apparently, the term Cowboy Caviar has offended some people, as it roots really are culturally deep. Certainly not Bria’s fault. She didn’t come up with the name or the idea behind. She just shared her spin on the recipe. However, sweet Bria issued an apology video that has over 2.9 million views. I will share her apology as well as a couple of variations of her recipes here for you.
