Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (approx. 1/2 cup or 75g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 teaspoon or 5g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (2.5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (1.25 ml)
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (approx. 850g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) (approx. 15g)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  2. In a food processor, combine black beans, lime juice, cilantro, water, and the sautéed onion mixture.
  3. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste, and adjust seasonings as needed (more lime juice for zing, chili for heat, salt for overall flavour). Serve immediately or chill for later.