Avocado leaves are the aroma of Oaxaca, and they are the main flavor in this indispensable staple. So many things can be created out of this little bean paste flavored with anise-y avocado tree leaves. It is the base for memelas, tlayudas, molletes, enfrijoladas, and so much more. Growing up, we stopped at the market in Tlacolula—a small village located near Oaxaca City—just to buy the paste, already made, in little plastic bags. You buy some tasajo, you grill it, you get some fresh tlayudas, some salsa, and then you spread some of this paste all over your tortilla like it is a savory cake frosting.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes about 4 cups (1 L)
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
In a large stockpot, combine the beans, garlic, and onion quarters. Cover the beans with water and bring to a boil.
Step 2
Cover the pot, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook until the beans are tender. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how old the beans are. If the liquid is evaporating too fast and the beans start to show, bring another cup or two of water to a boil and add it to the beans. Once the beans are cooked, salt to taste, stir, and continue cooking for 10 minutes.
Step 3
Once the beans are tender to the bite, remove and discard the garlic cloves and transfer the beans to a blender. Add the chile de arból and avocado leaves and puree until smooth.
Step 4
Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until it starts to soften. Add the black bean puree and fry it for 15 minutes, stirring until the bean mixture has thickened.
