Crispy tortilla chips layered with melted cheese and a topping of smoky charred corn, seasoned black beans, and fresh jalapeños make these nachos a simple yet delicious snack or sharing dish. This easy recipe allows for customization with ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, or additional spices to suit your taste.
To prepare Charred Corn and Black Bean Nachos, you’ll need just 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick option for serving 4 to 6 people. Start with two ears of corn, removing the kernels, and cook them in a large frying pan over high heat until they are deeply charred, about five to ten minutes. Transfer the corn to a bowl and use the same pan to heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil, then add 200 grams of drained and rinsed canned black beans with half a teaspoon of lightly crushed cumin seeds. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, cooking the mixture for five minutes until the beans begin to pop and gain a slight crispness.
Combine the cooked beans with the charred corn, finely grate the zest of one lime, and squeeze the juice of one and a half limes over the mixture. Stir in most of the finely chopped half-bunch of fresh coriander and two deseeded and finely chopped jalapeños. Toss these ingredients together, adjusting the seasoning with more lime juice, salt, or pepper if needed, to achieve the desired taste.
To assemble the nachos, preheat the grill to high. Spread 200 grams of tortilla chips across a baking tray, then sprinkle 75 grams of grated mozzarella and 100 grams of grated mature cheddar evenly over them. Place the tray under the grill for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Once ready, transfer the hot nachos to a serving platter and generously spoon over the charred corn and black bean mixture. Add small dollops of sour cream and finish with the remaining coriander and chopped jalapeños before serving immediately.
For those seeking variations, consider adding diced ripe tomatoes for extra freshness or serving the nachos alongside guacamole. For more depth of flavor, spices such as smoked paprika or crushed coriander seeds can be incorporated into the bean mixture. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor the nachos to personal preferences and create a dish that is as unique as it is flavorful.