Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Jalapeño Black Bean Dip

Jalapeno Black Bean Dip


Easy and spicy, this Tex-Mex fave also makes a terrific spread

The Super Bowl is rushing toward us like a 300-pound lineman. So get those party platters spinning!

You’ll need plenty of munchies and goodies. One of our favorites is this spicy Jalapeño Black Bean Dip. It’s an easy recipe, and fast to make. So you’ll have more time to spend with your guests.

And watch your team win. Or not.


Jalapeno Black Bean Dip

Recipe: Jalapeño Black Bean Dip

This recipe makes a fairly thick, viscous dip – so it’s perfect for dunking corn chips or spreading on a cracker. You could even use it as a sandwich spread.

We use canned black beans for this recipe, so it’s quick and easy. You could also use dried black beans, though that would take longer (see Notes). No black beans on hand? Pinto beans would work too.

The basic recipe calls for one can of black beans, which yields about enough dip for a bag of chips (depending on how large the bag is, of course, and how much you load onto each chip). If in doubt, it’s easy to double the recipe. Or triple it!

This recipe takes 10 to 15 minutes to make. You can prepare it a day ahead if you want (refrigerate the dip in an airtight container). Leftovers keep well for several days.

Ingredients
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans
  • 1 garlic clove (or to taste)
  • ¼ onion, chopped roughly (very much to taste; we like to use red or yellow onion)
  • 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers (either green or red; to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon dried cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ancho chile powder (may substitute another chile powder; or use chili powder – see Notes)
  • a few pinches of salt, to taste (see Notes)
  • ~2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
  • garnish of grated Cotija cheese and/or jalapeño slices (optional; see Notes)
  • tortilla chips for dipping
Procedure
  1. Open the can of black beans, pour the contents into a strainer or colander, then rinse off the gunk the beans are stored in.
  2. Peel the garlic, chop it roughly, then add it to the bowl of a food processor.
  3. Cut an onion in half, then half again. Peel one quarter, then chop it roughly and add it to the bowl of the food processor. Reserve the rest of the onion for another use.
  4. Wash the jalapeño pepper(s) and cut off the stem ends. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the ribs and seeds (be careful – the oil on these is hot, so avoid touching your eyes). Chop the peppers roughly and add them to the bowl of the food processor. Then wash your hands with soap and water to remove the hot jalapeño oil from your skin.
  5. Pulse the food processor a few times to finely chop the garlic, onion, and jalapeño.
  6. Add the black beans to the food processor. Squeeze the lime juice and add it to the mix. Add the cumin, chile powder, and salt. Pulse the food processor until the beans are almost the consistency you prefer (most people like this dip to be fairly smooth, though chunky is also good).
  7. Wash the cilantro, chop it roughly, then add it to the food processor. Pulse until it’s just incorporated into the dip. Taste the dip, then adjust seasonings if necessary.
  8. Scrape the dip from the food processor into a serving bowl. Garnish, if you wish, with grated Cotija cheese and/or jalapeño slices. Serve with tortilla chips.
Jalapeno Black Bean Dip

Notes
  • Want to use dried black beans in this dish? Remember that one pound of dried beans equals about three to four 15-ounce cans: Pick over the beans to remove any dirt or grit, then soak the beans at least 8 hours. When ready to cook, drain the beans, then place them in a cooking pot and add enough water to cover the beans by about an inch. Simmer for 1½ hours. Drain the beans and cool them, then proceed with the recipe.
  • We like to garnish this dip with Cotija cheese (Queso Cotija), which is a hard, crumbly, salty Mexican cheese. We grate an ounce (maybe a bit less) and sprinkle it over the dip when using it as garnish.
  • You could also substitute Queso Fresco (which is slightly softer) or Parmesan (which has a flavor that’s somewhat similar to Cotija).
  • We love jalapeño peppers, so we also add a slice (or several dice) as a garnish.
  • BTW, if jalapeño is too hot for you, skip it entirely. The dip will still be good.
  • Or if you really like heat, you could use canned chipotle peppers, which are smoked jalapeños (use a bit of the adobo sauce they’re packed in, too).
  • Chile (with an e) powder consists of ground chilies. Chili (with an i) powder is a blend of chile powder plus other seasonings (usually oregano, cumin, coriander, and salt).
  • We suggest using dried ancho chile powder in this dip. It’s available in most supermarkets and is fairly mild. Dried chipotle chile powder would also work well, but it’s much spicier than ancho. Or you could substitute chili powder.
  • By the way, if this dip isn’t as spicy as you’d like, just stir in hot sauce to taste.
  • You could also add some dried coriander to this dip if you’d like. 
  • A tablespoon or so of tomato paste, or ¼ cup of salsa, would also be a nice addition.
  • We use a few pinches of kosher salt when we season this dip. Kosher salt has larger flakes than regular table salt, so it’s less salty by volume. If you’re using regular table salt, keep that in mind. But in any case, season to your taste, not ours.
Jalapeno Black Bean Dip

Cheese Stakes

“So the Patriots are playing in the Super Bowl – again,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Are they going to rename it the Brady Bowl?”

“At least this year they’re playing the Eagles,” I said. “Makes an old Philadelphia boy like me feel proud.”

“Are you sure you want to align yourself with the Eagles fanbase?” asked Mrs K R. 

“Hey, Eagles fans are the most dedicated crazies in the world!” I said.

“I’ll say,” said Mrs K R. “I hear they had to grease the light poles in Philly to keep fans from climbing them during the playoffs.”

“True,” I said. “But that’s what I’d expect from Philadelphia, home of the Liberty Bell!”

“Which is cracked, by the way,” said Mrs K R. “And then there’s that jail cell they have permanently installed in the Eagles’ stadium. For when the fans get too engaged.”
 
“The authorities are just thinking ahead!” I said. “As befits the home of Benjamin Franklin.”

“I also read about that poll of NFL players,” said Mrs K R. “They say Eagles fans are the most intimidating in the league.”

“OK, so they’re a little over enthusiastic,” I mumble. “But I’m sure we could charm them with a delicious dip like this!”

“Nice segue, chip man,” said Mrs K R. “I’m thinking you felt a need to change the subject to something less spicy. Like a jalapeño-laced dip.”

Chile enough for you?

You may also enjoy reading about:
Velveeta Tex-Mex Dip
Salsa and Picante Sauce
Pimento Cheese
California Clam Dip
Artichoke Dip with Cheddar Cheese
Easy Cheese Straws
Homemade Chex Mix
Spicy Party Nuts
Candied Bacon
Or check out the index for more

82 comments:

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

I could almost sit through watching a game if I had a fresh supply of this dip to eat. I know, like I am the only person who doe snot watch it lol. Nice spicy kick!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, I think most people who attend Super Bowl parties are there for the friendship and the food, not the game. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

I could eat the dip spoonful! Looks really great and I love the warm spices in it too.

Mae Travels said...

Your advice about not touching your eyes while your hands are chile-laden is good. I know from experience! I’m very tempted by that dip, but would be cautious if I made it. (My mistake was not when preparing food, but when eating chile peppers in a restaurant! I separated the good part from the seeds, then forgot to be careful.)

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, this was actually our entire dinner the night I made it. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, been there, done that with touching my eyes after handling chilies. Yeow! Does that sting. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

Should be working but I'm salivating over this recipe! Perfect for upcoming Superbowl!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, I often avoid work by salivating over recipes. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

My entire family would devour this dip. It looks and sounds amazing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it's wonderful. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

I am up for anything and everything with jalapeno!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, we are too! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

Such a great recipe with a good kick

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, the kick is nice! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

Just love this dip, thanks John!

Rocquie said...

Mmmmmm. I would like this served hot, smothered in melted cheese. Thanks, John, for a great recipe. Cheers, Rocquie

Eva Taylor said...

We love bean dips, this one is flavoured and spiced beautifully. A great addition to our superbowl party. I generally don't watch the game but sit in for the ads which are mostly interesting or funny.
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, it's a nice one. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, we haven't had this dip hot, but it's a great idea! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, the ads -- and the food! -- are often the best part. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Zoe sent me a video of the fans in the streets. She lives right near Rittenhouse and it was crazy! They are psyched! And I am psyched for this dip!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, psyched is definitely a word you could use. :D And Zoe lives in a really fun area of Philly! Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

One of the most delicious appetizers for the games. Love the combo black bean and jalapeno.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, isn't this a nice combo? Really good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Tricia Buice said...

yum - I could dig into this dip! Love all that flavor. Hope you enjoy the game - I'm sure it will be fun!

mjskit said...

OK, I'm sold! I'll be making this over the weekend for the games! Still have some cotija cheese. Just a little bit goes a long way, doesn't it? Thanks John!

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

I’m so excited for the Super Bowl because A) I love football and B) this dip sounds so delicious. (I probably won’t even be able to wait until game day to make it.) Have a great rest of your week!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, this is just loaded with flavor! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, Cotija cheese really has a TON of flavor! Love it, and it works so well as an accent flavor with this dip. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, you can make a batch this weekend -- practice, you know :-) -- then another batch the following weekend for the game! Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

Hey OOOOO - just in time for "the big game" - hahaha! Can you guess what I will be eating that day?! ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, this dip, of course. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

This dip looks delicious, just love Jalapeño even though that I can't take too much spice :-) Pinned ♡

Agness of Run Agness Run said...

This seems like an awesome dips which I will definitely try, John! I will definitely be using red onion for better taste. ;)

All That I'm Eating said...

I love jalapenos and black beans and this sounds absolutely delicious!

Chef Mimi said...

This is right up my alley! Aren’t canned beans the best?!! I still cook a lot of them from scratch, but canned are so handy!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

I think I would take your dip then use Rocquie's suggestion about serving it hot with melted cheese on top. Either way it would be popular.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Miriam, it IS delish! And you an easily make this a bit less spicy -- just reduce the amount of some of hotter ingredients. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Agness, the red onion is really nice in this! Not too strong. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, the jalapenos and black beans are really a nice combo. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mimi, we like beans cooked from scratch the most, but canned beans are awfully good quality. And canned are easier for this recipe. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, we should probably make a hot and cold version and do a taste test. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Game day or not, this is a super easy and tasty recipe for any gathering or even for my little family for a meatless dinner. Thanks for sharing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, you can easily make a meal out of this. We did! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

Super Bowl again? Already? Pass the Jalapeño Black Bean Dip I'll be sitting in the corner. GREG

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Yeah, who needs dinner with a marvelous dip like this around!!! Definitely healthier than the usual game day fare---love that!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, ready or not, the SB is here again. Good excuse to eat dip. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, this actually is reasonably healthy. And does make a good dinner. :D Thanks for the comment.

Judy@SavoringToday said...

You nailed it, John, this is great for the upcoming Super Bowl party we need a simple appetizer for -- oh, so, YUM!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, this is definitely simple and absolutely YUM! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Deb\EastofEdenCooking said...

I'm not much of a football fan, but I do enjoy the half time show and all the good food! This recipe is perfect for both the Super Bowl and my new Instant Pot, winning here!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, in truth, we often don't really watch the game either. :-) But we will have this dip! Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

My eyes would definitely be on this dip -- not the football game. LOL

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, probably a wise choice! :D Thanks for the comment.

Savor The Best-Pat said...

Mmmm! I love this! Sounds so good, I do believe I will whip some up for the game! Thanks :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, best thing -- after the flavor, of course! -- is how easy this is to make. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dahn @savorthebest said...

This is my favorite part about super bowl parties. I come for the food first, ha ha. I usually have more fun watching my son and husband than I do the game. And of course eating all the food :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, food rules at Super Bowl parties! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

Perfect game day grub and also delicious on all our Tex mex recipes. We love that texture too.. wishing you a super weekend

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, definitely good grub! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Easyfoodsmith said...

I could polish off the contents of this bowl on its own. :D

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Taruna, easy to do. :-) Thanks for the comment.

handmade by amalia said...

A bowl of this, a cold beer and a good game would make anyone happy.
Amalia
xo

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amalia, yup! :D Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

This looks delicious and super flavorful! I could eat it all up myself!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, it's really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

This is such a great recipe, John! I've got it bookmarked and I already know this one is gonna be a new favorite around here. Love the flavors!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, the flavors in this are wonderful! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

At first I thought that was minced meat :)
But yes they look awesome, I bet it would be perfect with any tortilla chip on hand

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, it does look a bit like minced meat! :-) Thanks for the comment.

sherry from sherrys pickings said...

how delicious this sounds. even if it looks a wee bit - odd :=) cheers Sherry

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, not the most attractive dish, is it? But REALLY GOOD! :-) Thanks for the comment.

priya said...

i have never tried black bean in my dips. this is totally new recipe to me..thanks for sharing

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Priya, nice thing about this recipe is you can spice it up to your heart's content. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Emma - Bake Then Eat said...

Love munching on chips and dips and this dip looks fab!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Emma, chips and dip is the best! And this is the best of the best. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Shashi at SavorySpin said...

I'm usually not about the game - but, I am all about the food - when the food looks this delicious! BTW, I am glad they won't have to rename it the Brady Bowl now! :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shashi, LOL re Brady Bowl! And it's always about the food with us. :-) Thanks for the comment.

FLAVZCORNER said...

That bowl of dip is perfect not only for games but for any party! Love the ingredients that goes into this dip.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shibi, it's basically a party in a bowl. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

Yum! I have most of the ingredients for this dip on hand - including the cojita. I'm eager to give it a spin.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, spin away! :-) Thanks for the comment.