This is terrific as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to a simple grain dish. I like using stone-ground tortilla chips, which are generally available from natural foods stores and specialty markets. But do explore the varieties available in supermarkets as well. Look for all-natural ingredients and read the nutrition labels, as they vary greatly in fat content. Not more than 3 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving is ideal. Baked tortilla chips can be a good choice as well.
Recipe information
Yield
6 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
To microwave, spread the chips out in a single layer on a large platter, or divide among two plates. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients evenly over the chips. Microwave each batch until the cheese is bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes, and serve at once.
Step 2
To bake, preheat the oven to 400°. Spread the chips out in a single layer on a baking sheet (line with foil if desired). Sprinkle the remaining ingredients evenly over the chips. Bake until the cheese is bubbly, 5 to 7 minutes, and serve.
black beans
Step 3
These small beans are famous for their role in black bean soup and in Cuban cuisine. They are a flavorful part of Mexican, Southwestern, and Mediterranean cuisines as well. Their pleasantly bold flavor holds up well to strong seasonings such as thyme, oregano, cilantro, and cumin.
Step 4
Black beans are wonderfully enhanced by onions, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Step 5
As a salad base, black beans combine well with bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, scallions, and feta cheese. See Black Bean Salad with Feta and Red Peppers, and Black Bean and Corn Salad (pages 43 and 44).
Step 6
Black beans are delicious served with simple rice dishes and in tortilla specialties.
nutrition information
Step 7
Calories: 292
Step 8
Total Fat: 13g
Step 9
Protein: 12g
Step 10
Carbohydrate: 29g
Step 11
Cholesterol: 25mg
Step 12
Sodium: 304mg
