• Sections
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Education
    • Fashion
    • Food & Drink
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • MVMA
    • Perspectives
    • Travel
  • Shop Local
    • Arts & Culture
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Dining & Cuisine
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • Financial & Professional Services
    • Florists, Gift & Specialty Shops
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • Real Estate
  • Calendar
  • Dining Guide
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • Login

Merrimack Valley Magazine

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • Perspectives
  • Travel
← Back

CSA Merrimack Valley – Bean Dip

Marc and Christopher Horne
photography Kevin Harkins
Published November 14, 2020
Share:

It is always challenging to find local foods to incorporate into our holiday feasts. It also can be a challenge to offer remarkable appetizers to keep your family or guests engaged while the holiday supper is being prepared. Utilizing foods that can be stored all winter, such as dried beans, hearty onions and fruit jams, we can use up local items from our pantry to feed our holiday guests. Combining these pantry staples with fresh New England dairy options, such as cheeses and sour cream, enables us to create extraordinary versions of the classic dips we are all familiar with. This holiday season, dig deep into your pantry and then turn to the bounty of local dairy options to ensure your guests have already had an amazing meal even before dinner hits the table.

BEAN DIP

Start to finish: 90 minutes
Servings: 10-12

1 pound dried pinto beans (or substitute canned) 1 small chopped sweet onion
1 large chopped jalapeno pepper 1 large chopped green bell pepper
6 cloves smashed garlic 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lime

 

Soak the beans in cold water overnight. The water should be at least 1 inch above the top of the beans.

The next day, drain the beans and rinse thoroughly. Then place the beans in a large stockpot and cover them in fresh water. Again, the water should be at least 1 inch above the top of the beans.

Turn the heat to medium, cover the pot, and simmer for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the bottom of the beans do not stick to the pot.

When the beans are very soft, strain them and reserve the cooking water.

Next, using a potato masher or stick blender, mash the beans into a chunky paste, adding 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid at a time until the desired texture is achieved. The mixture should have some texture and not be perfectly smooth.

Once the bean mixture is ready, add the cheddar cheese, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Finally, add the onion, jalapeno, green bell pepper, garlic, cilantro and lime juice. Mix thoroughly and transfer to a serving dish.

This is best served with pretzels, sliced bell peppers or sturdy tortilla chips.

Share:
Related Articles
A Guide to 2019 Area Summer Camps
2020 MVMA Winners – Milestone (Longevity in Business)
The 495 – This Week’s Episode – Áine Greaney
The 495 – This Week’s Episode – Amy Lindholm & John Judge

Current Issue

Subscribe

Who We Are

mvm is the region’s premiere source of information about regional arts, culture and entertainment; food, dining and drink; community happenings, history and the people who live, work, play and make our area great.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Sections

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Bridal
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • MVMA
  • Perspectives
  • Travel

Links

  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Regular Contributors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact

© Copyright 2021 Merrimack Valley Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Valid on new memberships during the month of September 2020.

 

Newsletter Signup

MERRIMACK VALLEY TODAY: Noteworthy. Local. News. (Launching May 2021)
Wellness Wednesdays
Eight Great Things To Do This Weekend (Thursdays)
NoteWorthy - Happenings, Movers & Shakers (Sundays)

Orangetheory Methuen is celebrating it’s one year anniversary with an
Open House, Saturday June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join your friends and neighbors to learn more about the fastest growing workout sensation in the nation. Tour the studio. Meet the coaches. Enter to win a 10 pack of classes. The first 20 people who sign up for a free class at the event will receive a free bonus class, no obligation. 

Click here to learn more! 

Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901
Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Free Class for first-time visitors and local residents only.