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Black Bean and Corn Tacos

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Whole-grain tortillas , 8–10 small street taco size or 6-inch
  • Black beans , 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
  • Corn kernels , 1.5 cups frozen, fresh, or canned and drained
  • Yellow onion , 1 medium, finely diced
  • Garlic , 3 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste , 1.5 tablespoons
  • Vegetable broth or water , 1/2 cup plus more as needed
  • Olive oil or avocado oil , 2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin , 2 teaspoons
  • Chili powder , 2 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika , 1 teaspoon
  • Oregano , 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt , 1 to 1.5 teaspoons to taste
  • Black pepper , 1/2 teaspoon
  • Lime , 1–2, juiced and zested
  • Fresh cilantro , 1/3 cup, chopped
  • Optional toppings shredded cabbage or lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, pickled red onions, jalapeño, salsa, hot sauce, dairy-free or regular cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add oil and swirl.
  2. Add onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until translucent and lightly golden. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in corn. Let it sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to get some color, then stir and cook another 2 minutes.
  4. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and pepper. Toast 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, then add broth. Scrape up any browned bits. You want a loose but not soupy mixture.
  6. Add black beans. Using the back of a spoon, mash about 1/3 of them to thicken while leaving the rest whole for texture.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3–4 minutes. Add salt to taste. If it's too thick, splash in more broth; too thin, simmer a bit longer.
  8. Turn off heat. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt, more lime, or a dash of hot sauce if you're that person (respect).
  9. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium or directly on a gas flame for a few seconds per side until soft with light char. Keep warm wrapped in a clean towel.
  10. Fill tortillas with the bean-corn mixture. Top with cabbage for crunch, avocado for creaminess, and anything else that makes your heart happy.