Spicy Black Bean Zesty Dip (Printable)

Zesty black bean blend with jalapeño, lime, and aromatic spices for bold flavor.

# Components:

→ Beans & Vegetables

01 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

→ Flavorings & Liquids

06 - 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 tsp chili powder
11 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

13 - Extra chopped cilantro
14 - Crumbled feta or cotija cheese (omit for vegan)
15 - Sliced jalapeños
16 - Lime wedges

# Method:

01 - Place black beans, jalapeño, garlic, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into a food processor.
02 - Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary. For a chunkier texture, pulse rather than blend continuously.
03 - Taste and modify seasoning by adding more lime juice, salt, or jalapeño to preference.
04 - Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cilantro, cheese, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges if desired.
05 - Enjoy with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or as a spread inside wraps and sandwiches.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you fussed, but the whole thing comes together faster than people expect.
  • The spice builds gently instead of hitting you all at once—jalapeño and cumin and lime working together instead of competing.
  • It's the kind of dip that works with chips, vegetables, or spooned straight into tacos without anyone judging you.
02 -
  • Blend it smooth before you decide you want it chunky; you can pulse a blended dip back to rough texture, but you can't unblend beans.
  • Fresh lime juice makes an actual difference—that brightness is what keeps this from tasting like refried beans with spice.
  • Don't skip rinsing the beans or your dip will turn gray and thick instead of staying green and vibrant.
03 -
  • Make it the morning of a party so the flavors settle together instead of tasting like ingredients tumbled into a bowl.
  • Always add salt last and taste before finalizing—your beans might have brought salt with them, and you can always add more but you can't take it back.
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