Black Bean Salad

What is it about a black bean salad that practically shouts, “Summer potluck”? The mercury has been edging past a hundred degrees lately and we’ve been getting nostalgic for some of the picnic foods we remember having as kids. The basic structure of a black bean salad is black beans (canned or freshly made) with corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh). Parsley, basil or cilantro can add a bitter to the flavors. Tomatoes, lemon juice and or lime juice some acid. Jalapeno or cumin will give it a kick, and avocado and olive oil will smooth it down.

Enjoy Summer!!

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, thoroughly rinsed, and drained (or 1 ½ cup of freshly cooked black beans)
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn, defrosted (or fresh corn, parboiled, drained and cooled)
• ½ cup chopped green onions or shallots
• 2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced, or 1 whole pickled jalapeño pepper, minced (not seeded)
• 3 fresh plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
• ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
• 2 Tbsp lime juice (about the amount of juice from one lime)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ to 1 teaspoon of sugar (to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Make sure to rinse and drain the beans, if you are using canned beans.

In a large bowl, combine the beans, corn, onions, jalapeno chile peppers, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, basil, lime juice and olive oil. Add sugar and salt and pepper to taste. (The sugar will help balance the acidity from the tomatoes and lime juice.) Chill before serving. Serves 6 to 8.