Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Mango black bean salsa

This winter weather is just getting me down!  In an effort to deny the existence of the multiple feet of snow just outside my door, I decided to pretend it was summer time this week and made some yummy tropical-inspired salsa.



It's a super simple recipe which requires only a few ingredients.  Here's what you'll need:


2 ripe mangos
1 small can crushed pineapple
1 small can black beans
1 red onion
red chile powder or the crushed chiles of your choice (I used Asian chiles with a rating of 15k-30k Scovilles)
cilantro (optional)

Ok, now, follow closely —it gets complicated (not)...

Dice the onion
Peel and cube mangos.  Mash the cubes with a fork (or a pastry blender, as I did)
Open the can of pineapple.
Open the beans then rinse and drain them.

Dump everything together in a mixing bowl and add chiles or chile powder to taste.  Mix well then cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to infuse.  Just before serving, tear a generous handful of cilantro and stir it in.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients —subsitute canned or fresh for any of the ingredients.  I prefer fresh mangos over prepackaged; I think they have a nuttier flavor and aren't as sugary.

If you're not afraid of hot stuff, use this salsa straight out of the bowl as a dip for chips.  Spoon it over fish or chicken before baking for a succulent and hearty main course, or warm it in the oven for a sweet and spicy side dish.  Toss in some extra black beans and serve it with rice and you've got a tasty vegetarian main course.


Please pass me the pitcher of margaritas!

3 comments:

  1. Yum! I love mango salsa. I love mangos. Hard to find good ones around these parts.

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  2. This looks really good--I am going to try it with a second can of beans for an entree, I think. Or, just for a snack when I have friends over for game playing this weekend. Thanks!

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  3. I will leave the hot stuff and yucky cilantro out of it and it will be perfect for me.

    I love mangos. Move to FL, they are plentiful here...

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