When I was deciding where to go to grad school, I found that the advice I received fell into two different camps: some people urged me to consider the location and general atmosphere of the university, while others insisted that I should only pay attention to the reputation of the program and what it had to offer academically. Ultimately, since I’m not the kind of person who can happily exist in a bubble of coursework and books and research, I knew that I had to think carefully about where I wanted to live. I was going to have to make some concessions—that much was clear. I grew up being spoiled by California’s mild winters and non-humid summers, but I was willing to stock up on snow boots and long underwear, as well as bug spray and tower fans. What was non-negotiable, however, was the proximity to a Trader Joe’s. You may think I’m joking, but I actually mapped out how far it was to the nearest store in each of the various places where I was considering living.
Luckily—or perhaps unluckily, in terms of helping me make a decision—both of the two schools I narrowed it down to had a store nearby. You see, I have an undeniable dependence on Trader Joe’s. This makes me uneasy. I don’t like to be dependent, especially when it comes to food, because sometimes I get into a mood where I absolutely have to have a certain food, and if I don’t, I’ll fixate on it and become antsy and irritable (the green bean casserole incident comes to mind…). So when I got hooked on Trader Joe’s cowboy caviar, I wanted to try to recreate it…just to be safe, in case they ever run out or discontinue it, you know? There are a ton of cowboy caviar recipes out there, but this one is designed to replicate the Trader Joe’s version (pictured on the left) as closely as possible.
It has equal parts corn and beans, plus red bell pepper for color and chipotles for some heat. One of the things I love about this salsa is that it has onions, but they’re not raw. While I love the boost of flavor that raw onions provide, I don’t enjoy still being able to taste them the next day, so the onions here are cooked juuust long enough to cut down on that pungent bite. You can serve this cowboy caviar on chips, but it’s also great on eggs, quesadillas, salads, you name it!
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to choosing a place to live? Have you ever had to recreate a beloved store-bought item or restaurant dish at home to satisfy a craving?
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2-3 chipotles in adobo, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato puree (see note)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
- zest of 1 lime (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Cook the bell pepper and onion until slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
- Place all the ingredients, including the cooled bell pepper and onion, in a medium mixing bowl and stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
- Makes about 3 1/2 cups
- Inspired by Trader Joe's cowboy caviar
- In place of 1/2 cup tomato puree, you can substitute 2 tablespoons tomato paste mixed with 6 tablespoons water.
- If it is important to you to keep this recipe gluten-free, be sure to check the label on the chipotles in adobo. Some brands' products are gluten-free, but others are not.
I’m the same way with certain stores too! My proximity to them were definitely a factor when my husband and I were buying a house 😉 Looks like you nailed the recipe! Now you can make it in bulk and enjoy by the spoonful 😀
It’s like that real estate saying, “Location, location, location!” I am definitely enjoying being “independent” with this recipe 🙂
See, I don’t get Trader Joe’s. I’d much rather use your recipe and make this from scratch! I know a lot of busy people rely on their products, ready made especially like their simmering sauces and so forth, but i do everything from scratch just from habit. I did it even with two kids and 12 jobs. Don’t you think your salsa is better than the jarred version?!!!
If only you could bottle up your energy and sell it…THAT’s a product I’d definitely buy! As for the salsa, now that I’ve made my own, I have to admit that I *am* quite partial to it 🙂
It’s not really energy, it’s priorities. But my kids, not 31 and 33, have accused me of micro-managing all of their meals! You can’t win!!!
It really is impossible to make everyone happy, isn’t it?! That’s pretty much the third certainty in life, besides death and taxes 😉
Hard to believe I have missed this one product at TJ’s, since I have tried everything else in the store….haha This looks incredibly yummy and perfect for this weekend!
I probably would have missed it too, but one time Mr. Cake Pants came home with a jar of it after trying an in-store sample! I hope you have a fantastic holiday weekend 🙂
This looks so good, Mara! Happy Fiesta Friday!
Thanks, Jhuls! I hope you have a great weekend!
Thanks, Mara! Same to you😘
What a great reason to create a recipe! It sounds great! 🙂
Thanks, Petra! I’ll definitely be making it again soon.
Of course this would be welcome in my Baja kitchen.
It’s a great healthy salad side dish. I make something similar for every day vegan lunches.
Tracey
As much as I adore cheese, I love the approach you describe on your site – traditional Mexican food with less cheese, cream, etc. Thank so much for stopping by!
Saving calories for cake. 😄
I love all the bright colors in this salsa! It’s perfect for this time of year. Can you believe I’ve never been to Trader Joe’s?? I know people who love it, but for some reason, I have never gone! Maybe I should try it, though the closest one is about a 30 minute drive for me. Maybe that’s why! Hope you are having a good summer so far!
Thanks, Jenny! I’m surprised you’ve never been to Trader Joe’s, but then again, an hour round trip is definitely a time commitment for a grocery run, especially if there are closer options. I hope you’re enjoying your summer as well!
Ohhh now I miss Trader Joe’s again. I used to live in San Francisco and ther was a TJ store a block away from work. I was addicted to my everyday after work shopping spree here!!! I wish they would open a store in India also!!! As for your replication, it seems pretty darned good!!!
Oh gosh, I would’ve shopped there every day as well if I lived that close! And wow – San Francisco to India is quite a move!
It sure is, even though I spent most of my years in Bombay 😊
This looks delicious! Actually, I think yours looks better than Trader Joe’s😉
Happy Fiesta Friday!
Thanks, Ai! I was at Trader Joe’s the other day and thought of buying a jar, but then I was like, “Nah, I can make that myself” 🙂
I have this recipe too but it’s not called cowboy cavier, a great name. Love it with tortilla chips.😁
I’m not sure where the name originally came from, but I suppose people do have a certain fondness for alliteration! Whatever the name, yes, it’s perfect on tortilla chips 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Oh I totally understand the desire to recreate your favorite restaurant/store recipes back at home! And it looks like you’ve done a pretty darned awesome job with this Cowboy Caviar. I have a confession to make: I’ve never had Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar. I’ve been to Trader Joe’s…it’s a great store! But I’ve never picked up the Cowboy Caviar. I’ll have to try it next time I’m there…or maybe I’ll just make this version instead! It looks amazing!
Thanks, David! It’s so nice to be able to recreate dishes at home, especially when you can no longer get them elsewhere – but I don’t need to tell *you*, since you’ve dealt with that after moving away from the south, I’m sure!