Spicy Black Bean Dip (Printable)

Bold black bean dip with jalapeño, lime, and spices. Perfect for parties or taco night. Vegan and gluten-free.

# What You Need:

→ Beans & Vegetables

01 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

→ Flavorings & Liquids

06 - 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 tsp chili powder
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

13 - Extra chopped cilantro
14 - Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
15 - Sliced jalapeños
16 - Lime wedges

# Steps:

01 - Place black beans, jalapeño, garlic, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into a food processor.
02 - Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. For a chunkier texture, pulse instead of blending continuously.
03 - Sample the dip and adjust seasoning with additional lime juice, salt, or jalapeño according to preference.
04 - Move the dip to a serving bowl. Top with extra cilantro, cheese, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges if desired.
05 - Present with tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or use as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smokiness from the paprika creates this incredible depth that store-bought dips never achieve—I actually started keeping smoked paprika on hand just for this recipe.
  • You can adjust the heat level in real-time as you blend, tasting and adding more jalapeño until it hits that perfect balance of spicy without overwhelming the earthy beans.
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients blend much more smoothly than cold ones, so let your beans sit out for 15 minutes if they've been refrigerated.
  • The flavors actually intensify after a few hours in the fridge, making this perfect for preparing ahead of a gathering.
03 -
  • If you have an extra minute, toast your cumin and paprika in a dry pan until fragrant before adding them to the processor—this one step elevates the entire flavor profile.
  • When serving at a gathering, refresh the surface of the dip halfway through by drizzling a little olive oil and sprinkling fresh cilantro, making it look freshly made even after sitting out.
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