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Black Bean Dip

This Black Bean Dip is creamy, savory, fresh, and packed with bold Southwestern flavor. Tender black beans are blended with lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, and fresh cilantro for an easy appetizer that comes together in minutes. Serve it with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or use it as a flavorful spread for wraps and quesadillas.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 15 ounces each black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves roughly chopped
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons water as needed
For Garnishing
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced tomato
  • Lime wedges optional

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Small saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Spatula
  • Serving Bowl

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft but not browned.
    Black Bean Dip Recipe
  2. Transfer the softened onion mixture to a food processor or blender. Add the drained black beans, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Blend the mixture until creamy and mostly smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. For a chunkier dip, pulse just until the ingredients are well combined.
  4. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time and blend again until the dip reaches your preferred consistency. Avoid adding too much liquid at once, as the dip can quickly become too thin.
    Black Bean Dip Recipe
  5. Taste the dip and adjust the lime juice, salt, cumin, or chili powder according to your preference.
  6. Transfer the finished dip to a serving bowl and let it rest for about 10 minutes so the flavors can come together. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and diced tomato, then serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.