Perfect Black Bean Dip
- PREP 10min
- COOK 20min
- TOTAL 30min
Think of this as a mash-up of black bean dip and onion dip. Thanks to the addition of cooked sweet onions, this easy bean dip is delicious and perfect when served with pita wedges or chips. While you can serve this at room temperature (more like a hummus), I prefer it baked with cheese on top. For a more traditional sour cream-based dip, see our recipe for creamy onion dip.
You Will Need
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, chopped, like Walla Walla or Vidalia, about 2 cups
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder, see our chili powder recipe
1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 (15oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed or 3 cups cooked black beans
1/2 cup sour cream
2 to 3 tablespoons water
Spritz of fresh lime
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup shredded cheese, optional for baked dip
Directions
1Cook the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, add the oil, onions, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook until they are very soft and smell sweet, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat and set aside for 5 minutes.
2Make black bean puree: In a blender or the bowl of a food processor, combine the cooked onions, drained black beans, and sour cream. Add 2 tablespoons of water, and then blend. If the mixture is having trouble blending, add one or two more tablespoons of water to help it along.
3Taste, and then season with salt and lime to taste. Serve now, or follow the directions for baked black bean dip below.
4Baked black bean and onion dip: For a baked dip, transfer the bean dip to a small baking dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through and the cheese has melted, about 10 minutes.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Vegan modifications: Leave out the sour cream and increase the water by a tablespoon or so. The dip will still be delicious. You can also substitute the sour cream with a plant-based sour cream or cream cheese.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.