Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced in half, seeded and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup (loosely packed) roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons water
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro
- Cotija cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Spices and Beans: Stir in the kosher salt, ground cumin, and chili powder, allowing the spices to toast briefly for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavors. Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the skillet, stirring to combine well with the aromatics and spices.
- Simmer and Mash: Pour in the water and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the beans to a creamy consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and roughly chopped cilantro, mixing thoroughly to incorporate a fresh bright flavor throughout the dip.
- Serve Warm or Chilled: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese if desired. This dip can be served warm or chilled, perfect with tortilla chips, vegetables, or as a spread for sandwiches.
Notes
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use a food processor to pulse the bean mixture instead of mashing by hand.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños according to your taste.
- The dip can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan version, omit cotija cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Serve with a variety of dippers such as tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for a healthy snack option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian