In a delightful twist on a classic snack, a new nacho recipe combines crispy tortilla chips with a flavorful medley of melted cheese, charred corn, and seasoned black beans. This dish is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a quick bite, offering the flexibility to customize with various ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, or additional spices to suit any palate.
To prepare the Charred Corn and Black Bean Nachos, start by removing the kernels from two ears of corn. Heat a large frying pan over high heat and cook the corn kernels for five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally until they achieve a deep char. This imparts a smoky flavor to the corn, which is then transferred to a large bowl.
Using the same pan, add two tablespoons of vegetable oil, followed by 200 grams of canned black beans that have been drained and rinsed. Lightly crush half a teaspoon of cumin seeds and add them to the pan, seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the beans over high heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly crisp and begin to pop. Transfer the cooked beans to the bowl with the charred corn.
To enhance the flavor, finely grate the zest of one lime over the corn and bean mixture, squeezing in the juice of one and a half limes. Incorporate most of the finely chopped fresh coriander and two deseeded and finely chopped jalapeños. Toss the ingredients together, adjusting the seasoning with additional lime juice, salt, or pepper if necessary.
Preheat the grill to high and evenly spread 200 grams of tortilla chips across a baking tray. Sprinkle 75 grams of grated mozzarella and 100 grams of grated mature cheddar over the chips. Place the tray under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly, taking care not to burn the chips or cheese. Once ready, transfer the nachos to a serving platter and top with the charred corn and black bean mixture, adding small dollops of sour cream. Finish with the remaining coriander and jalapeños, serving immediately. For those seeking extra freshness or flavor depth, diced ripe tomatoes or guacamole can be added, alongside spices like smoked paprika or crushed coriander seeds.