July 7, 2009

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.

4 comments:

WilliamB said...

I like Goya canned black beans but home cooked are better.

My go-to dip is mashed black beans or canned refried beans, mixed with garlic, good quality salsa, and salt, then heated.

Angela said...

William B- Hey, you made it up before I did!

calimama @ compactbydesign said...

I love this idea! I'm always winging it when it comes to cooking, but I'm specifically looking for new ways to try beans as I'm not a fan by nature.

WilderMiss said...

Yum yum. Add some corn to that and you've got me hooked. (I insist on having corn in all my mexican food.)

On a warm summer night I love fish taccos and Mountain Man's patented guacamole. To be a little healthier I like to eat my guacamole on slices of jicama. And a Modelo. Or a margarita on the rocks. Or a mojito. Or a cider. Or a lovely glass of wine.

Really, as long as there’s booze I’m flexible.