Black Bean Tacos

There are two types of people in this world: those who lead with their best material, and those who save the best for last. Let’s not mince words — I kind of hate them both. But that’s totally not the point here. The point is that nobody, anywhere, ever, would bury their best material right smack in the middle. Nobody notices the middle. Let’s not mince words — I kind of hate the middle.

Which totally does not explain how I came to be here, in the middle of World Vegan Month, posting my absolute best material for your non-noticing pleasure. I kind of hate when people don’t notice me. But here I am. Here we are. Hi!

Folks, these are my dearly beloved black bean tacos. Vegan doesn’t get any better than this. Unlike me, these tacos love everybody and everything (including a little shredded cheese and sour cream, by the way, if you’re so inclined). They can be all open and vulnerable like that, because they know you’ll love them back. They’re a strong female role model in that way, and as a matter of personal growth, I intend to emulate them. Just wanted to let you know that, so if you see me out and about wearing pickled onions on my head, you’ll know that I’m not crazy. Which should be pretty obvious anyway.

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Recipe: Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red onion, finely diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
• 4 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups cooked black beans (2 15-ounce cans is fine)
• 1 15-ounce can whole or diced tomatoes with their juices
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• {For Serving}
• 12 taco-sized flour (or corn) tortillas
• Pickled Red Onions
• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Sliced green olives with pimentos
• Chopped tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Cilantro sauce or chopped fresh cliantro

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, one minute more.
2. Stir in the beans, tomatoes (if using whole tomatoes, crush in your hands before adding), chili powder, and cumin, and bring to a boil. Partially cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until juices have thickened and flavors have melded, about 15 minutes. Mixture should be quite thick so it won’t escape from taco shells, but not bone-dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. To serve, place about 1/3 cup bean mixture in the center of a tortilla, and top with pickled onions, guacamole, olives, and cilantro. I like to put the toppings in small bowls on the table and let everyone help themselves. Kids like these tacos anyway, but it helps their enthusiasm level to have been a part of the process.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 4