Black Bean Salsa

About a week ago, on the first really warm day on a weekend evening, my husband and I had a craving for margaritas and guacamole. But we didn't have any avocados in the house and we didn't want to go to the store. We'd been caught unprepared: dip-less.

It was time to get inventive. Ten minutes later we were eating this Black Bean Salsa, a recipe I made up on the spur of the moment. It's kind of like guacamole, but with black beans instead.

Here's the recipe, but I highly recommend either homemade black beans or a good canned brand. We used Trader Joe's organic black beans, which are much better than most store brands.

Black Bean Salsa

1 can black beans, heated and slightly crushed with a fork
salsa
chopped tomato
tabasco sauce
squeezed lime
salt and pepper
cumin
cheese (any type you have on hand)
finely chopped garlic
finely chopped onion

Combine all ingredients and top with sour cream or plain yogurt.

It was delicious and perfect with a margarita. It might not take the place of guacamole, but it will do in a pinch. And it's inexpensive and healthy to boot.

What's your favorite dip or snack on a warm summer evening? Have you ever improvised when you discovered you were dip-less? Please let us know in the Comments section.