Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup) (75g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, seeded and minced (or ½ teaspoon chipotle powder)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (30 ml)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (packed) (approximately 10g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2-4 tablespoons water, as needed to reach desired consistency

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. In a food processor, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, black beans, chipotle pepper (or powder), lime juice, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Process the mixture until completely smooth.
  4. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the spread reaches your desired consistency.
  5. Taste the spread and adjust seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish as desired, and serve immediately or chill for later. This black bean spread recipe is best when chilled.