HOMEMADE TORTILLA CHIPS & BLACK BEANS W/ GOAT CHEESE AND SALSA

Obviously, I'm on a Mexican food kick lately. And when I say lately, I mean always. Mexican food and me is pretty much a can't stop/won't stop situation.

 

There are worse addictions.

 

Anyway. These black beans are just delicious. The creamy tartness of the goat cheese with the spiciness of the salsa is a winning combination. The chips are crisp and warm and so simple to make. The whole things is an easy, throw together meal. I mean, it's barely a real recipe. It's just upping our game with the refried bean scene. And yes, there is a scene.

 

Go ahead, feed your Mexican food addiction.

 

Homemade Tortilla Chips

8 small corn tortillas

drizzle of canola oil

Sea Salt, to taste

 

Cut the tortillas into quarters. Place cut tortillas on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle liberally with coarse sea salt. Place baking sheet under the broiled (525 degrees) for 6 minutes, shake baking sheet and broil for an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the chips, as they can easily burn. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve with black beans with goat cheese and salsa (recipe follows).

 

Black Beans with Goat Cheese and Salsa

Refried Black Beans (see recipe)

1 ounce goat cheese

1-2 tablespoons your favorite salsa

 

Prepare refried black beans. Remove from heat, dollop on the goat cheese and drizzle with salsa. Serve with homemade tortilla chips.

HOMEMADE REFRIED BLACK BEANS

Cinco de Mayo is upon us. So it's the perfect excuse to eat Mexican food (I never need an excuse).  And what can be more perfect than refried beans? Nothing, I tell you, nothing. Refried beans are the type of food to live for.  However, canned refried beans are not. But! You can make your own and they taste so so so good. These refried beans are made from black beans and are completely vegetarian. That practically makes them healthy.

You can do this. Because making homemade refried beans is almost as easy as heating up canned ones. And once you make these, you'll never go back.

 

 

Homemade Refried Black Beans

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 15 oz can of black beans, with liquid
1 tsp each salt and pepper
1/2 tsp each chili powder, cumin (the cumin is optional)

In a large sauce pan, heat oil over medium high heat. Add beans with liquid, salt and pepper, and spices. Stir once, and cover. Reduce heat to medium and cook, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, mash beans with a wooden spoon or potato masher until smooth. If there is still liquid in the beans, return to heat, and cook another 5 minutes, uncovered. Serves 2.

Put them in a quesadilla. You'll thank me.

Enjoy!