Spicy Black Bean Nachos are a delicious and satisfying snack or meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their cheesy goodness and a kick of heat, they make a fantastic choice for parties, game days, or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into why you should make this scrumptious recipe and how to do it step by step.
Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Black Bean Nachos are more than just a tasty treat; they are versatile and can cater to various dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something indulgent, nachos check all the boxes. They are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit your taste. Plus, using black beans not only adds protein but also gives you a healthy dose of fiber, making this dish not just tasty, but nutritious too.
How to Make Spicy Black Bean Nachos
Here’s how to whip up these flavorful Spicy Black Bean Nachos that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans
- 1/2 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 chipotles in adobo
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup water or stock
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 4-5 cups shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack)
- Jalapeno slices (optional)
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Pico de gallo (optional)
- 4 tomatillos
- 1/2 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 jalapeno
- 10-12 sprigs cilantro
- 1 avocado
Directions
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Start by roughly chopping 1/2 of an onion and peeling 2 garlic cloves. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a dollop of oil over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
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While the onion and garlic are cooking, drain and rinse the black beans. Once the onion mixture is ready, add the black beans to the skillet along with the chipotles, adobo sauce, cumin, salt, freshly ground pepper, and water or stock. Allow this mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it’s heated through. Then, blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency, adding more salt to taste if needed.
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Next, shred the cheese to make it easier to melt. Spread a single layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Drizzle the seasoned bean mixture over the chips and then top generously with the shredded cheese.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the nachos for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
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For the Avocado Salsa Verde to complement your nachos, roast the tomatillos in the oven at 400°F until they’re cooked through. Then, blend them with the remaining onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, and avocado until smooth. Be sure to add salt according to your taste.
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Serve your nachos immediately, garnishing with your favorite toppings like jalapeno slices, chopped cilantro, and pico de gallo.
Pro Tips for Success
- Bean Consistency: For a smoother texture, blend the black bean mixture until it’s creamy. If you prefer a chunkier option, blend just slightly or mash with a fork.
- Cheese Selection: Feel free to mix different types of cheese. Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a blend can add more depth of flavor.
- Layer It Up: For extra cheesy nachos, consider layering your chips, beans, and cheese in a baking dish instead of a single layer.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chipotles in adobo according to your heat preference. If you enjoy milder nachos, you can use less or omit them altogether.
Flavor Variations
- Taco-Style: Add seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken to the black bean mixture for a hearty twist.
- Vegetarian Delight: Mix in roasted corn or diced bell peppers along with the black beans for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Tuna Nachos: Incorporate a layer of spicy tuna salad made with canned tuna, mayo, sriracha, and green onions for an unconventional approach.
- Guacamole: Instead of the salsa verde, top your nachos with fresh guacamole to give them a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy Black Bean Nachos are ideal for sharing, so consider serving them in a large platter for gatherings. Pair them with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a non-alcoholic mojito. They also work wonderfully as part of a larger spread that includes other appetizers like stuffed jalapenos, spinach dip, or a fresh vegetable platter.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To store leftover nachos, keep the components separate. The nachos themselves can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but for optimal crispness, it’s best to consume them fresh. The black bean mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re looking to freeze the black bean mixture, place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ About Spicy Black Bean Nachos
Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
Making nachos ahead of time is tricky since tortilla chips can become soggy. However, you can prepare the black bean mixture and cheese in advance. Just store them separately and assemble and bake the nachos just before serving.
What are some good toppings for nachos?
Popular toppings for nachos include jalapeno slices, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. You can also experiment with different sauces like ranch dressing or hot sauce to add your personal touch.
How can I make nachos healthier?
To make your nachos healthier, consider using baked tortilla chips or a light cheese option. You can also add more vegetable toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, or sweet corn to increase the nutritional value.
Are black beans good for you?
Yes, black beans are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are a great choice for a healthy meal when used in moderation and can help keep you feeling full for longer.
Can I use other beans instead of black beans?
Yes, while the recipe calls for black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Black Bean Nachos are an easy and delectable dish that can appeal to a wide range of palates. With its combination of crunchy chips, flavorful beans, and melted cheese, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite at parties and gatherings. The recipe is straightforward, and with a few adjustments, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. So grab your ingredients, gather your friends, and get ready to enjoy some mouth-watering nachos that everyone will rave about!
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Spicy Black Bean Nachos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and satisfying snack packed with flavor and protein, perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans
- 1/2 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 chipotles in adobo
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup water or stock
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 4–5 cups shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack)
- Jalapeno slices (optional)
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Pico de gallo (optional)
- 4 tomatillos
- 1/2 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 jalapeno
- 10–12 sprigs cilantro
- 1 avocado
Instructions
- Chop 1/2 onion and peel 2 garlic cloves. Sauté in a skillet with oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Drain and rinse the black beans. Add to the skillet along with chipotles, adobo sauce, cumin, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer until heated through, then blend to desired consistency.
- Shred cheese. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet and drizzle with the bean mixture, topping with shredded cheese.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake nachos for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Roast tomatillos in the oven at 400°F, then blend with remaining onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, and avocado until smooth, adding salt to taste.
- Serve nachos immediately with optional toppings like jalapeno slices, cilantro, and pico de gallo.
Notes
For smoother bean consistency, blend until creamy. Customize cheese types and heat level according to preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
