Southwest Black Beans with Peppers
Serves 6

Chile Peppers

Inspiration

I love Mexican/Southwest flavors, particularly those accented with lime juice, chili peppers and fermented black beans. Every time I pass a Taco Truck I begin dreaming about those complex, fascinating flavors. Within a day or two, this recipe is at the top of my must cook list as a side for fish tacos or grilled Mahi Mahi.

Hints

1. The Mexican brands of canned black beans I have purchased are slightly al dente, never overcooked and mushy.
2. Flavor enhancers for southwest/Mexican foods include: Fermented Black Bean Paste (Sun Luck), ground cumin, chili powder, dehydrated red pepper flakes, unsweetened cocoa powder, Green Tabasco and Smoked Hickory (red) Tobasco. I keep 2 cans of black beans and at least one can of tomatillos in my pantry.

Ingredients

3 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, peeled and finely chopped
6 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and minced
3 cans black beans, two drained and rinsed, one with juice
1 large fresh tomatilla, chopped or a 7oz can,, drained
1 tbs. Fermented Black Bean Paste
1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbs. ground cumin
3 tbs. Green Tabasco
1 Anaheim pepper or ½ Poblano pepper, thinly sliced
½ green bell pepper, seeds, pith and extra flesh removed, thinly sliced into 2” strips
½ red bell pepper, seeds, pith and extra flesh removed, thinly sliced into 2” strips
Kosher salt and hot pepper sauces to taste
Juice of 2 fresh limes
Crumbled Queso Panela Mexican cheese or grated, aged Monterey Jack cheese for garnish

Preparation

1. In large skillet, heat oil and soften onion and garlic. Add beans, tomatilla (chopped), bean paste, cocoa powder and cumin. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes.
2. Add Green Tobasco and all pepper slices. Simmer 3-4 minutes more. Taste and correct seasoning. (The starch in the beans absorb the heat of chilies so you may want more of the pepper sauces than you would put on fish or chicken.)
3. Add lime juice, stir and serve.
4. To Serve: Garnish each serving with crumbled cheese and serve immediately.