Monday, March 26, 2012

Magazine Challenge: Black Bean and Toasted Corn Tacos

black bean roasted corn tacos

This recipe is from Vegetarian Times.  I can never toss out a Vegetarian Times magazine because they are our go-to source when we want to try something new, but I need to start weeding through the back issues and picking out only our favorite recipes.

We make black bean tacos often, but this recipe uses toasted corn which we hadn’t done before.  My husband whipped this up for lunch one afternoon.

black bean roasted corn tacos

Recipe from Vegetarian Times, only slightly modified:
(I use organic ingredients whenever possible.)

1 can black beans, drained
1/2 cup salsa
2 tsp garlic
2 1/2 tsp ground cumin, divided
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Corn tortillas
Baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup jarred roasted peppers (diced or cut in strips)
1/4 chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese, optional

1) Bring beans, salsa, garlic, and 1 tsp cumin to a simmer in saucepan.  Reduce heat to medium low and cook 5-6 minutes or until soft.  Remove from heat, and mash  approx 1/2 of the mixture with fork.

2)  Heat skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with olive oil cooking spray.  Wrap corn in paper towels and squeeze out excess water.  Add corn to skillet in single layer, and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tsp cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.  Cook 5-10 minutes or until golden and crispy, stirring frequently.  *Don’t overcook, or corn will become chewy.

3)  Heat tortillas in toaster, oven, or your preferred method.  Fill shells with 1/2 bean mixture and 1/2 corn.  Add spinach leaves, red pepper, cilantro, and green onions.  Top with cheese.
Makes 6-8 tacos.

black bean roasted corn tacos

My verdict:  These were delicious and easy to make.  They were filling enough to be made for lunch or dinner.  My husband and I ate outside, and these were honestly so good and so pretty that we could have been sitting in any outdoor sidewalk bistro in any city.  Also, we made these for lunch two times last week, if that tells you anything.

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Monday Magazine Challenge is a new feature we are starting.  You can read more about why we’re doing it HERE.  A Magazine Challenge is any recipe, craft, DIY, tip, etc. from a magazine that has inspired you.  If you would like to link to your own magazine challenge, please use the linky tool below.  It would be mighty kind if you’d help us spread the word by linking back to us.