Two Ways to Make Black Bean Dip

by Sarah W. Caron

When it comes to Super Bowl Sunday, it doesn’t really matter if you’re a regular football fan or if you have a favorite team. It’s an American tradition to gather and watch the game (or at least the commercials and the half-time show).

Personally, I love the football and the Super Bowl and although my favorite team didn’t make the cut this year, my family and I will be tuning in! When planning the menu, I go for foods that are easy and flavorful, but most importantly I need quick recipes that are kid pleasers and appeal to adults. That’s what makes these two dips perfect!

The first one, Easy Black Bean Dip, is tangy with a teeny bite that is perfect for serving alongside cut up veggies and whole grain crackers. It’s a simple recipe that will have your friends gobbling it up. The second dip, Warm Black Bean and Cheddar Dip, is super kid-friendly. When I make it for my little ones, my two-year-old pulls up a chair and eats chip after chip. The dip is flavorful but mild because the cheddar cheese balances out the spice– perfect for tortilla chips.

Both can be made in just minutes, so you can even leave this to the last second before guests arrive (don’t worry, I won’t tell!). Or, if you want to make ahead, the Easy Black Bean Dip can be made up to a day or two in advance.

Easy Black Bean Dip Recipe
yields about 1 ½ cups


This delicious dip takes less than five minutes to make – but no one needs to know that! It does have a bit of a bite so be careful when giving it to kids.

Ingredients:

1 can (15-16 ounces) black beans
¼ cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 green onion, cut into 1 inch segments
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon cumin

Preparation:

1. Pour the black beans into a mesh strainer and rinse under cool water. Shake a few times to remove excess water

2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the black beans, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, green onion, salt and cumin. Pulse until smooth

                                                       

3. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with vegetables such as carrot sticks, celery sticks and broccoli florets, and crackers

Warm Black Bean Cheddar Dip
yields about 1 ¾ cups


This simple variation on Easy Black Bean Dip will only take you a few extra minutes. It yields a creamy, smooth, mild dip that kids love. It’s perfect for dipping your favorite tortilla chips in.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup Easy Black Bean Dip
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Preparation:

1. Combine the Easy Black Bean Dip and cheddar cheese in a medium saucepan. Set on a burner set to medium-low. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted

2. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately with tortilla chips