Fresh Tex-Mex

In 25 minutes or less, you can fill your table with the bold flavors of the Southwest. By Marion McGahey

Every now and then, we all get the hunger for a mouthful of cheesy goodness and maybe even a touch of spice. These delicious Tex-Mex dishes are packed with flavor. Even better, short ingredient lists and quick procedures make them almost effortless to prepare. If you want to make Cheesy Black Bean Mash even easier, look for prechopped onion and minced garlic in the produce section of the grocery store.

total time 24 minutes

Cheesy Black Bean Mash

MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS; PREP: 15 MIN., COOK: g MIN.

This delicious side dish can also be served as a dip with tortilla chips.

2 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

¼ cup vegetable broth

1 small onion, chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

½ tsp. salt

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Mexican four-cheese blend

1. Process beans and broth in a food processer 10 to 15 seconds or until smooth.

2. Sauté onion and jalapeño pepper in hot oil in a large skillet 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, and saute 1 minute. Add black bean puree and salt, stirring until blended. Cook, stirring frequently, 3 minutes or until bean mixture is thoroughly heated. Stir in cheese until melted. Serve immediately.

total time 20 minutes

Quick Queso

MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS; PREP: 10 MIN., COOK: 10 MIN.

Keep the queso warm by serving it in a small slow cooker or in a microwavable dish, so it can be easily reheated, if necessary.

2 Tbsp. butter

1 (4-5-oz.) can chopped green chiles

1 small onion, minced

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

½ cup beer (not dark)

1 (8-oz.) block Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1 tsp. ground cumin

¼ tsp.salt

Tortilla chips

1. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a large heavy saucepan over low heat; add chopped green chiles and minced onion, and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until softened. Whisk in 2 Tbsp. flour, and cook 1 minute. Whisk in milk and beer, and cook, whisking constantly, 3 to 4 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Add shredded cheese by Vz cupfuls, stirring until melted after each addition. Stir in ground cumin and salt. Serve warm with tortillas chips.

total time 5 minutes

Lime Cream Sauce

MAKES ABOUT 1 CUP; PREP: 5 MIN.

Try this tangy sauce on beef, pork, or potatoes.

1 cup light sour cream

1 Tbsp. time zest

2 Tbsp. fresh Lime juice

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground cumin

¼ tsp. ground pepper

1. Stir together 1 cup light sour cream and remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 3 days.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2008
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