Spicy Black Bean Nachos (2024)

2. an increasingly popular exclamation used to denote an impending, much deserved reward; similar in use to Yes! or Right on!

We're using chipotles in adobo to give the beans some real kick, and the resultis a combo thatcan be described best with one word...

Nachos!

Spicy Black Bean Nachos Recipe

We're building this delight using canned beans as that is easiest, but of course you are welcome to use2 cupsof homemade beansif you have some on hand.

Roughly chop 1/2 an onion and peel 2 garlic cloves. Saute in a dollop of oilover medium heat for 5-7 minutes.

Rinse and drain a can of black beans and add to the onion mixture, along with 2 chipotles in adobo, 1 Tablespoon adobo sauce, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, freshly ground pepper, and 1/2 cup of water (or stock).

Simmer for 5-8 minutes and then combine ingredients in a blender or food processor. Take a taste for salt after combining. I added another pinch to this batch.

You're left with a delicious bean puree that is capable of both drizzling and clinging at the same time. If for any reason your batch comes out too liquidy (to cling to chips) then you can saute it over mediumish heat for a few minutes and it will reduce to a thicker consistency. (We also use this puree in our Black Bean and Guacamole Tostadas).

And note that using 2 chipotles in adobo creates real heat! I tend to make this bean mixture extra spicy knowing that it will be diluted down by the chips and fixings. Using only a single chipotle is a good option if you're not a huge fan of spicy foods.

And now I'm going to make a suggestionthat might send some of you nacho experts running for the hills....

I think these nachos tastebest when they are done in moderation. I know, I know, nachos are an infrequentdelight designedto be over the top goopy decadence, amirite?!

This version tries to have the best of both nacho worlds: some goopy decadence but also some restraint so that the beany cheesy flavors stay at the forefront. In other words, don't dump everything in the kitchen on top of them. I've made double and triple layer batches of nachos before and they quicklyturn into a soggy mess.

So while you'll have enough quantity to make a double layer batch, this recipe far prefers a single layer of nachos, ensuring that you'll always have chips in tact and they'll be warm and crispy. Nachos!

Start by creating a dense, single layer of chips on a sheetpan. Drizzle with some of the bean mixture and add a layer of cheese. I'm using a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar.

This gets baked in the oven at 400F for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is thoroughly melted.

And now give yourself a quick pat on the back as all the hard work is done. The combo of warm chips, melted cheese and spicy black beans is good enough to be eaten on its own and the rest is just a bonus thatcan be customized to your liking.

I think a fresh, cool Avocado Salsa Verde is the perfect complement to cheesy nachos so consider that a good option for these Spicy Black Bean Nachos.

I'll put instructions for the Avocado Salsa Verde in the recipe box below. Essentially, you are roasting some tomatillos and combining them with onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, and avocado.

You're left with vibrant salsa that does wonders in this dish.

Additional garnishes, all of them optional, include tomatoes, jalapeno slices, avocado bits, cilantro, and Cotija cheese.

I combined a few of those options and made a quick double batch of our defaultPico de Gallo recipe that you'll find here.

So this nachos version is topped with drizzled Avocado Salsa Verde, jalapeno slices, Pico de Gallo, and a sprinkling of cilantro.

One last thing....

Keep the bowl of spicy black beans close by to give yourself the much deserved option of double dipping, i.e. dipping the warm cheesy chips into both the beans and the Avocado Salsa Verde. Because you deserve it.

Tough to beat beany cheesy tortilla chips eh?

Nachos!

You might also like our beef nachos.

Or you can use a similar bean puree for our Chipotle and Cheese Bean Dip:

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