Name: Pinto Bean and Corn Dip with Cilantro
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon grated lime zest plus 2 tablespoons juice; 1 cup frozen corn, thawed and patted dry; 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, 2 tablespoons liquid reserved, beans rinsed; 1 scallion, white and light-green parts cut into 1/2-inch pieces, green part sliced thin on bias; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 3/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Pinch cayenne pepper; 1/4 cup plain Greek-style yogurt; extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Why This Recipe Works

The secret behind a bean dip that was creamy and complex tasting was to pair a starchy bean with a lighter legume or vegetable. By using a combination, we avoided the pastiness of dips that used only beans. To further freshen the dips, we added creamy Greek-style yogurt, a healthy dose of lemon juice, and a full ¼ cup of herbs.

Before You Begin

We prefer these dips when made with whole Greek yogurt, but 2 percent or 0 percent varieties can be substituted. Serve with chips, crackers, or vegetables.

Instructions

Combine garlic and lime zest and juice in small bowl; set aside for at least 15 minutes. Set aside 2 tablespoons corn for garnish.

Pulse pinto beans, reserved liquid, remaining corn, scallion whites and light greens, cilantro, ¾ teaspoon salt, chipotle chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and lime juice mixture in food processor until fully ground, 5 to 10 pulses. Scrape down bowl with rubber spatula. Continue to process until uniform paste forms, about 1 minute, scraping down bowl twice. Add yogurt and continue to process until smooth and homogeneous, about 15 seconds, scraping down bowl as needed. Transfer to serving bowl, cover, and let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. (Dip can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Let refrigerated dip stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.)

Season with salt to taste. Sprinkle with reserved corn and scallion greens. Drizzle with oil and serve.