Black beans are a versatile ingredient that, when pureed, can make an excellent dip. Set as an appetizer or even a side dish, dips can really top off any pan-Latin meal with an earthy punch. Keep a few key ingredients in your pantry and be ready to feed the masses at any time. Best of all, they are very easy to prepare.
Black Bean Dip Checklist
Almost all black bean dips require the same tools to prepare. The simplest dips use canned beans, so you'll need a can opener and a colander for draining. You'll be doing your share of chopping, so a chef's knife and cutting board are required. You may also want to invest in a food processor, to blend and puree your dips to a delicious smoothness. For certain recipes, you may need to use a skillet and a spatula. And finally, get out a large bowl, one that holds at least 16 ounces, and a big spoon, and prepare to mix and eat!
Keep some basic ingredients in your pantry, and you'll be able to whip up quick dips whenever your stomach demands. Be sure to stock a couple of cans of black beans, a head of garlic, lemon or lime juice, salt and pepper. Cayenne pepper or chili powder is also recommended if you enjoy spicier dips.
Basic Black Bean Dip
The most basic black bean dip will serve as a template for all other black bean dips. If you can make this recipe, then you can begin to experiment and add different vegetables and spices to make your dips even more flavorful.
First, open two cans of black beans. Drain the liquid out using your colander so that your dip won't be too soupy. Next, place the drained beans in your food processor with a peeled clove of garlic for flavor. Add a tablespoon of lime juice - freshly squeezed lime juice is always preferable since fresher ingredients taste best, but bottled works as well. Puree the mixture in your food processor until the beans are broken down into a paste. Use a spatula or a spoon to scoop out the dip into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want your basic dip to have some kick, add a pinch or two of chili powder. You can serve this dip immediately or let it refrigerate for a couple hours. Letting the dip sit will allow the flavors to blend and the dip will taste richer.
Spicing Up Your Dip
There are many ways to alter and tweak your basic black bean dip to create flavorful and unique combinations. For a smokey dip, grill four strips of bacon on a skillet, add a tablespoon of the bacon's grease to beans before processing, then chop up the bacon and stir into the pureed dip. You can also add more of a Tex-Mex flair to your dip by dicing onions, tomato and jalapeno and adding these to the unprocessed mixture. For a smokey and spicy dip, chop up a couple canned chipotle peppers and blend them right in. If you want to cool down spicy dip, add some dairy - a quarter to a half a cup of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream will do the trick.
Serving Suggestions
A basic black bean dip can be served with tortilla chips or as a garnish for tacos and burritos. Smokey dips, such as those with bacon in them, can make great spreads for crackers. If you are trying to be healthy, consider chopping up some carrots, broccoli and celery and spreading on the dip.
Tags: black bean, lime juice, basic black, bean dips, Black Bean