Spicy Black Bean Dip

Sometimes I feel that need to snack on something that I dip and crunch. I love chips and dip. Sadly, it is a unrequieted love. Oh chips and dip, why do you hate me and my waistline so? I think its jealous lately hehe. Thankfully with all those baked crunchies out there I can investigate dip once more. This went very well with some baked tortilla chips but I can see it going just as well with a baked bunch of pita chips.

• 1 can (19 oz) black beans
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp curry powder
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1. Drain the beans but reserve 2 tbl of the liquid.
2. Saute the onions and garlic until soft and browned.
3. Combine the ingredients in a blender. Serve hot or cold.

To cool the heat or for just an added creaminess sometimes I stir in a bit of light cheese whiz melted in. So tasty!

This makes approximately eight servings. Each serving is about 1/4 cup, and contains 96 calories, .5 grams of fat, and 6.2 grams of fiber. Great for a fun movie night…perhaps a good thing to eat while watching a few hobbits make their way over to a mountain and drop a ring perhaps? It certainly can be fiery enough!