Sunday, January 9, 2011

Black Bean Tacos with Radish Slaw




Here's an example of how throwing together a few simple, inexpensive ingredients can make a meal that's more than the sum of its parts. These tacos don't require much effort at all, and in the end you have a meal that's light yet satisfying, healthy and indulgent. (The taco shells aren't the healthiest thing in the world--that's the indulgent part, but everything else is relatively low in fat and high in fiber--the healthy part.)

Depending on how much hot sauce you use, these tacos can be spicy and fiery, or they can be cool, crisp, and refreshing. In my opinion, a lot of hot sauce and a good bit of the radish slaw makes for the best of both worlds.




Black Bean and Radish Slaw Tacos
(Adapted from Epicurious)
  • 5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 bunch radishes
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 6 taco shells
  • 1/3 cup cheddar or 'Mexican' cheese blend, or cojita
  • Bottled chipotle hot sauce or other hot sauce
In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil until shimmering. Add beans, coriander, cumin, and cayenne and heat through while mixing all of the ingredients together and partially mashing the beans. Add salt and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Taste for seasoning and add more spices and/or lime juice as needed. 

Mix 2 teaspoons olive oil and lime juice in medium bowl. Using a mandolin, make matchsticks out of the radishes, and add them to the bowl along with the green onions and cilantro. Add a pinch of salt and toss to coat. Taste for seasoning.

In a toaster oven, toast the taco shells until they're warm and slightly crispy. Fill tacos with beans, cheese, and slaw. Pass hot sauce alongside.


I got a new camera for Christmas/my birthday! I took these pictures when I was just starting to mess around with it:







1 comment:

Unknown said...

Those tacos look awesome! I'm guessing you made those yesterday? I feel left out. I like the idea of yummy, yet light.

Nice pictures you took with your zillion-dollar camera. I especially enjoy the uh... bedspread? Inspiring.