Caramelized Black Bean "Butter"

Caramelized Black Bean "Butter"

Caramelized onions lend the black beans an intriguing sweetness and complexity, which is highlighted by balsamic vinegar and cocoa. Spread on a sandwich of sliced ciabatta with grilled vegetables and arugula. It's also great with baked tortilla chips.


1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups chopped onion
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 10 minutes or until golden. Place onion, beans, vinegar, cocoa, salt, and paprika in a food processor; process until smooth. Place bean mixture in a bowl. Sprinkle with parsley.

Yield: 3 cups (serving size: 1 tablespoon)

CALORIES 17(2% from fat); FAT 0.4g (sat 0.1g,mono 0.2g,poly 0.0g); PROTEIN 0.7g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 7mg; SODIUM 48mg; FIBER 0.8g; IRON 0.2mg; CARBOHYDRATE 3.1g
Cooking Light, JUNE 2005