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Black Bean Dip with Tortilla Chips Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Black Bean Dip with Tortilla Chips Recipe

This black bean dip recipe quickly became a legend in my house. It started as a simple experiment for a family movie night but turned into our most requested snack. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, and the rich, savory flavor is just so satisfying.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: dip, Side Dish
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 15 ounces each black beans, drained and rinsed - Canned beans are a huge time-saver. Rinsing them removes excess sodium and starch.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil - This is used for sautéing the aromatics and adds a touch of rich flavor.
  • 1 small onion finely chopped - Provides a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the dip's flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced - Freshly minced garlic offers a pungent kick that you can't get from powder.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Adds a warm earthy, and slightly smoky flavor essential for Southwestern-style dishes.
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder - A blend of spices that brings a mild heat and complex flavor profile.
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - This offers a distinct smoky flavor that elevates the entire dip.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Optional but great for adding a little extra warmth. Adjust to your heat preference.
  • Salt and pepper to taste - Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice - Fresh lime juice brightens up the dip and cuts through the richness of the beans.
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped - Adds a fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery note.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt - This is the secret to an ultra-creamy texture. Greek yogurt is a great tangier alternative.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Melts beautifully on top for a gooey cheesy finish. Grating your own cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded.
  • Tortilla chips for serving - The classic crunchy companion for this dip.

Method
 

  1. First, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until it's fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor of your dip.
  2. Next, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. Toasting the spices before adding the other ingredients helps to awaken their essential oils and deepens their flavor, making your dip much more aromatic and tasty.
  3. Now it's time for the star of the show. Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the spice mixture. Use a potato masher or the back of a large spoon to gently mash about half of the beans. This creates a wonderful texture that is part creamy and part chunky.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. If you're aiming for a creamier consistency, mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt now. Taste the dip and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to get the flavor just right for your palate.
  5. Transfer the finished black bean dip into a serving bowl. If you're a cheese lover, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. You can serve it immediately while it's warm, or let the cheese melt under a broiler for a minute or two for a bubbly, golden-brown topping.