Black Bean and Roasted Corn Nacho Bites with Avocado Crema
We took a trip to the local farm stand yesterday and the girls were in absolute heaven because I bought them fresh honey sticks. Gigi got grape. Lulu got strawberry. And after sucking most of the honey out of the straws, slobbering and smacking their way through, they wanted to trade.
Uh, no.
Because there are some things that just don’t seem right to share. (And I’m not talking about my chocolate stash—that’s just a hoarding situation, not a hygiene issue.)
Nope, you can’t share:
Melty ice cream sundaes. Ew.
Bowls of cereal with milk. Slurp.
Lollipops. The phrase “Okay, it’s your lick” should not be in anyone’s vocabulary.
And more relevant to today, and to Sunday’s Super Bowl festivities, you can’t share nachos.
Or at least you shouldn’t have to.
Black Bean and Roasted Corn Nacho Bites with Avocado Crema
Makes 32 bites
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 c. cooked brown rice
- 1 c. roasted frozen corn (i.e. Trader Joe’s), defrosted
- 1 c. black beans, rinsed and drained
Pico de Gallo:
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 c. minced onion
- 1/4 c. chopped cilantro
- 1/2 a jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
- juice of 1 lime
- salt to taste
Avocado Crema:
- 1 avocado
- 1/3 c. of your favorite salsa
- 2 T. nutritional yeast
- 1 T. lemon juice
- 1/2 t. minced garlic
- 1/4 t. salt
- 1/2 t. chili powder
- 1/2 t. cumin
Substitution notes: If desired, you can substitute:
*flour or rice tortillas for the corn
*quinoa, millet or any other cooked grain for the rice
*regular or canned corn for the roasted corn. You can roast your own by putting it in a lightly greased skillet over medium high heat and sautéing until the corn starts to brown. For some smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
*premade pico de gallo for the homemade
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
You can make your own tortilla cups by cutting the rounded edges off your tortillas and then cutting the squares into 1/4ths.
Save the rounded edges for toasting and topping soups or salads. Or eating with leftover Avocado Crema while your making nacho bites. It’s up to you.
Take the tortilla “squares” and stuff them in a mini-muffin tin. They won’t be perfect, but nothing is.
If you don’t have a mini-muffin tin, you can just make bigger nacho bites by cutting your tortillas larger and putting them in regular muffin tins. Or, if your friends have really big mouths, you can use the jumbo tins.
Bake the tortilla cups for 9-12 minutes. You’ll want them to be slightly browned and crisp to the touch.
Prepare the pico de gallo by combining chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, if using, lime juice and salt in a medium bowl.
For the avocado crema, in a small food processor or blender, combine avocado, salsa, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, salt, chili powder and cumin and blend until smooth.
The order in which you layer the nacho bites is really important if you are making these ahead of time.
Put the rice in the bottom of the tortilla cup first. This will soak up any of the juices that drip down from the top layers and will prevent your cup from getting soggy.
Follow with your corn and beans. These are yet another barrier.
Next, add the pico de gallo.
Finally, top with the avocado crema. I put the crema in a plastic bag and pipe a bit on top of each bite, but feel free to dollop it on if your friends aren’t fancy.
If your friends aren’t fancy and have big mouths, they’re probably me. I’ll be there at kickoff.
The tortilla cups are totally sog-free, the corn is smoky and sweet, the beans add heartiness, pico gives ‘em a kick and you’re left with a creamy, zesty avocado finish.
Yum.
The end result is totally shareable.
But the beauty is, everyone gets their own.
Unless, of course, I hoard them.
There are some things that just don’t seem right to share.
Instantly pinned to Pinterest…I must share the love!!
Thanks, Megan!
How did you do that? Trying to figure it out, would LOVE to do this too! Thanks!
When I signed up for Pinterest, it said you could add the “Pin It” bookmark to your web browser. When I’m on any website and I click my bookmark, it lets you choose the picture from the website, choose your pinboard and add a description of the pin. It’s easy!
haha you’re sooo funny! can’t wait to try these! they look delish!
Enjoy!
I have boys so I must confess they’ve shared melty ice cream, bowls of cereal, lollipops and well, more things that I just won’t mention. The older one is in his growing stage and he is like a human vacuum. He eats all his brothers left overs. Oh, the joys of having boys……….:P We’re not football fans so no Superbowl party for us, but these will certainly make an appearance at my next get together! They look so good!
I think Gigi is going through that same phase and I have to say, I’m kind of proud at the way she puts it down.
These look incredible! So creative. I think these are going to have to be added to the Super Bowl menu.
Oh good!
Um yum! These look absolutely delicious. What a great idea for something to snack on while I watch commercials…I mean football. Yes that’s it…football.
Ha!
I haven’t had a honey stick in years! I used to love them – they were a very special, only at the market on our Christmas holiday’s treat. Between that and the avocado and nachos you’ve really taken me back to some pretty nice, sun and sand filled holiday memories
Oh good! I have to admit, I had a little taste when I gnawed the end off of the girls’ straws (is that sharing?). Delish!
UHHHHH-Mazing! I was wondering what I could take to a party that is GF and not the same old homemade hummus. Nacho bites it is! (That is, unless I find some fresh organic berries that don’t cost an arm and a leg….then I’m making your fruit kabobs!)
Yes, I was super happy these are GF too!
So pretty! I can’t wait to try them!
The only problem with these is that they are countable. I am not sure nachos of any sort should be countable. This creates a problem because you can’t use the phrase ” I only had a couple” when in fact everyone know you had 7 of the 15 you made. Guess I’ll just have to double or 4x the batch. I didn’t listen to you about doubling the MMM sauce recipe and I am so regretting it. Now I have to wash my food processor again tomorrow.
I think quadruple batch sounds about right.
Oh these look fabulous! Last week I made puff pasty with avocado, cream cheese, and salsa and am loving those flavors (even though I love cookies more).
That avocado crema with the nooch…YUM! I could go to town on that for salad dressing, dipping veggies; that’s versatile looking stuff. YUM!
Nope, no sharing of the nachos up in here! Unless, you know, that is to say I’d share some of these bad boys with you.
I’d share with you. And I owe you an email (and a package). I’m on it, I promise!
Cute! These look great. My twin boys share just about everything, but you are right that sometimes you’ve just got to draw the line at gross!
And sometimes you have to just say, “Fine, go ahead.” Especially if it buys you a few minutes of peace
They look Delicious. I just can’t decide if they will be dinner or the dish I’m taking to my DAR meeting on Saturday or both.
I vote both!
I must have just missed you at Trader Joe’s, hope your free morning was fun. These look delicious, I wonder if I could eat all 32…
It was a mad dash between 11:30 and 11:40. You would have blinked and missed me.
These look so good!!! Love that they’re pre-portioned, too!
These sound yummy. I’m definitely going to make these for. sunday. also going to make your mmm nacho sauce to serve with….nachos!
I hope you love these. They’re pretty cute too.
Ah yes, the ‘sharing.’ Why is it my kids won’t share toys or kind words, but they will happily share lollipops and anything out of a straw?
So gross.
Oh my those look good. How creative are you!
Haha, you daughters are me and my sister when we were younger. I just think it every time I read about them. Those little bites look AMAZING, especially the crema, such an amazing idea.
Making these soon! The pic made me think it was the nacho mmm sauce which I love, but I am so excited it is avocado crema! Yum!
It’s essentially the Nacho Mmmm, but subbing the avocado in for the almonds and chickpeas!
I wasn’t planning on making anything for Superbowl Sunday, but you just changed my mind.
I must have these.
Oh.. and I totally agree with you on the “Ok it’s your lick” scenario. It gives me the heebie jeebies to share my almond milk. And don’t even ask me to share my avocado.. but that’s just a hoarding thing..
I’m pretty sure anything that requires a spoon would be a bad thing to share. And from now on I shall eat everything with a spoon.
I like this idea.
That avocado crema has my name written all over it. Also I love the substitution tip for subbing quinoa. So simple yet so brilliant!
Ohh these look amazing!! The best of superbowl foods all wrapped up in one!
I love finger-foods! Those look so yummy.
It’s probably because I’m an only child, but I have a fairly strict no sharing food policy period. I will swap some bites of solid food with my hubby, but prefer not to exchange licks, sucks, or slurps from the same utensil or same side of the glass with anyone else. Get your own, TYVM.
See, my theory is that I am not into sharing because I have two brothers and had to share with them growing up. Or maybe I’m just selfish.
Oooooooh yeah these look stunning! I know im repeating myself but you’re amazing! one thing I cannot stand to share is my coconut yoghurt- not sure if it’s the repeated dipping of the spoon or just because it’s so delish ( and expensive!)
Yup, I was thinking of yogurt last night too. No double dipping!
“Okay, it’s your lick” HA!!!
These look like the perfect game day treat. Bc I’m wicked into football and stuff. Or to just eat while Lloyd watches the game. Go team!
Yup, I hope that team wins too.
I always had to compete with my brother and dad for the good stuff on the dinner table, so the idea of having my own little nacho bowls is immensely appealing. Well done! ; )
what a BRILLIANT idea!!!!!!!! I am so going to make these.
And I am just thinking that you could make something similar with pancakes. Oh my, what a great idea .)
Mini pancakes! Cute!
yes! totally! and you could stuff them both sweet (sautéd apples, cinnamon, walnuts, dollop of coconut whipped cream) or savory (tiny portion of roasted veggies + hummus). I had stuffed and rolled up pancakes before, but this method is so much better
oh these are so cute! we make something similar with phyllo dough but I love this idea with the tortillas!
Those are absolutely adorable. And I really, really love that placemat– the colors are perfect!
Thanks!
um, YUM. I love the creativity of this idea and the homemade tortilla cups!! Although, I’ll probably end up making them in big muffin tins…more for me not to share
And less to build.
I made guacamole yesterday, but I am now wishing I still had ripe avocados waiting in the fruit bowl! These are such cute appetizers, and look delicious! Thanks for all the substitution suggestions as well. It is much appreciated!
~Emily~
You are welcome! You could easily just put guacamole on these (but I’m guessing that is already gone)
Haha. Yep, no matter what the quantity is, I inhale guacamole (and anything with avocados for that matter) within minutes of setting eyes on it! These are next in my sights!
~Emily~
I’d be hoarding these for sure! The tortilla cups are so so cute. I don’t care at all about the superbowl but I kind of want to have a party just so I can make these and a bunch of other superbowl snacks!
I am feverishly trying to figure out if I could make these tonight and just count them as dinner. (would maybe make up for the bland stir “fry” (more like steam) I made last night)
Bummer about the stirfry. You should have put Mmmm Sauce on it! (and yes, I’m going to bug you until you make it)
Ohhhhhh, that would have fixed it for sure…I would have needed some on the side ready to go. Now I want to try that tonight but I think my husband will leave me if he sees Night #2 of stir fry. I think tonight is black bean burgers because I want to try your butternut squash fries. Wait. Mmmm Sauce probably goes with the fries, doesn’t it?
what a good idea!!!! I love to have just the right amount of toppings on my chips but the chips are always to big or too small! These seem just right:):)
Look at you being a little genius with the tortilla cups! I’ve never ever thought of that and it’s such a great idea. You could put anything in them.
These are totally going on the menu this Sunday! I haven’t been able to find roasted corn but I have seen a roasted corn salsa that I might try to sub in. And the chocolate chip cookie pie is definitely happening!
Good luck! I think both will be total hits!
Looks fantastic! Can’t wait to try them, along with several other of the recipes you posted yesterday.
Yum! Such a good idea with the mini muffin tin!
Fancy!!! These look awesome!
O. M. G.–Those look so good. I love all things nacho and I will be making these soon–perhaps even before the super bowl. Avocado crema–great idea. I regularly make my own baked “chips” from corn tortillas–why had I not tried to make “scoops” or cups with them—until now that is.
Thanks for the recipe!
CUTEST idea EVER! So relevant with super bowl coming up too! This is a perfect party food to serve!
I love the CUPS and that you used corn tortillas. It’s like bite size cups of a burrito bowl. mmmm Great photos!
Those look absolutely delicious and wee bit healthier than the “scoops” you can get at the store.
Perfect for watching the Super Bowl, grass grow, or whenever.
Cute!! My friend and I are actually making something very similar for dinner!
Hope they turn out great! (You could always add Mmmm Sauce to ensure that)
That look absolutely delicious! I won’t have to share the whole batch, since I’ll be watching the superbowl in Istanbul, where no one understands the event or that a plate-full of treats should be shared for such an occasion. Thanks for the recipe!
Istanbul? Wow!
pinned! perfect for appetizers
DYING. That’s all.
Reminds me of an episode of King of Queens, when the fellas were just getting into a big plate of nachos, and the “nacho novice” was accused of taking the nucleus – the nacho that holds it all together. Not an issue with your nacho creation. Well played Mama Pea, well played. My wife has to work Sunday right up until kickoff, so I might be the one making these bad boys during the 6 hours of Pre-Game.
Wait. This is getting weird. I am a closet King of Queens fan. Three favorite episodes: the one when Arthur is addicted to nose spray (gulity), the one where Doug alludes to the fact that Carrie has put on a few pounds and she gets all crazy (guilty) and the one where Carrie chops off all of her hair and looks like Robert Goulet (guilty). Can you please move to Oregon (with your wife, of course) so we can all hang out?
King of Queens reruns are on my TV every night as I make dinner! I’m such a fan. I love the one where Carrie takes pole dancing classes because Doug seems to want her to, and she absolutely sucks. Her expressions when she’s trying to be all sultry are just hilarious.
OH and then Doug shows her how to do it and is ridiculously good. Okay, I’ll stop now. But that part is actually the highlight of the episode. Lol.
I love this episode too! I feel like Carrie every time I try to do anything remotely close to dancing, sexy or not.
Yummy! I can see these in my future
Ooh I would HAVE to make these for a party otherwise I’d just eat them all. This would majorly satisfy my Mexican cravings!
OH MY PEAS (can I say that?!?!) Superbowl will be this vegan girl and 7 of the best omnivores I know. They love to try the stuff I make so I always make sure it is really good. These are on my list! Can’t wait to share.
I hope they are a hit!
TOTALLY making these….without the Dial soap aka cilantro. Happy Super Bowl MP.
You are so silly. I’ll win you over on cilantro some day.
When I was in middle school people would share suckers. And gum. It was disgusting. It still is.
Nacho bites, on the other hand, are amazing. And I don’t know that I would be able to share. And nachos help me hit my RDA of cilantro which is just an added bonus.
Love the idea of making the little chip cups, thank you!
These look delish! I made the paella and I LOVE it! Perfect lunch
Oh my goodness – I LOVE this idea, I can picture serving this at a party we are having in a few weeks, they look so fancy!!
These are so cute and they look like just the right size for popping whole. And that avocado crema? I”d like to slather it all over my face.
These look so cute and fun, now I’m wishing I had a Superbowl party planned just so I could make these!
Looks fancy and easy and yummy…..and I LOVE the pictures – I want all those pretty dishes and that placemat to serve them on
Hoping it’s all from Target. I do have a Fiesta plate that color that would work. I’ve always wanted one of those salsa bowls.
Great idea with the mini muffin tin….SO using this awesome idea for Superbowl Sunday! Thanks!
xoxo from Trinidad
love the idea and they are so cute!!! great pictures too
HUGS
these look so awesome..perfect bite size pieces for the game! adding these to the list of apps to make…
and seriously, your pics rock. i need to get me one of those damn good cameras!!
Thanks! Watching Ashley all week taught me some pointers.
you had me at avocado crema. yum. i have seen a few of these turning-corn-tortillas-into-something-crunchy things and I am intrigued.
It works pretty well! They’re best eaten when freshly made, though. No preservatives
These look delicious! I think I’ll have to make it into non-bite-sized versions though. I’ll get too frustrated trying to shove 10 of them into my mouth at once. mmmmmmm
That would hurt. Lots. Were your ears burning this weekend? We were talking about how much we missed you!
awww, I feel loved!
Wow, your photography in this post is stunning! Especially the 3rd one down. Way to go, Mama.
Thanks! I’ve been watching the best all week.
Um yeah. These look amazing ( as usual) and I’ve got a pretty nice chocolate stash myself that I keep hidden from the men around here. He he. Definitely a hoarding situation. I SHOULD share. Oh well.
You are totally outnumbered over there. I say you keep your stash.
Silly question…but should these be served warm? I’m thinking of taking them for tomorrow’s potluck, but I’d have to make everything tonight. Could I just take them already assembled and ‘serve’ them cold or do I need to heat them up (we have a microwave and a very slooooooow and small toaster oven)?
Or I could do the assembly at work, do the cups tonight and avocado crema tonight & heat the rice, corn, and beans at work (WholeFoods has thoughtfully prepared the pico for me). I could turn the kitchen into a Mama Pea Test Kitchen and make my staff work for their food.
Hmm, I wouldn’t make them the night before. Pea Daddy had some in the evening that I made early in the morning and refrigerated and he said the cups got an almost stale texture. But if you have all the components, I’d try to make them as close to the potluck as possible. Warming them up (before you put the avocado crema on) might do the trick on keeping the shells fresh. Good luck!
I love bite sized anything! These will be made this weekend for the game and probably every week from now on.
I’m SO making these for superbowl treat! What a great idea, your incredible! Who knew nachos could be healthy.
Hope they turn out great for you!
These look so incredibly delicious! Nachos are one of my absolute favorite foods in the world, and I love this twist on them. I want to go home and make the avocado crema immediately.
Loved the avocado crema on our no-queso quesadillas. Tortilla chips dipped into the leftover crema tasted like doritos!
My trainer and I are making vegetarian meals for people in our area (there are no stores that sell vegetarian, organic meals). We make these for lunch today and everyone LOVED them!!! We served this with a tomato capers salad and a flourless mango cake! I will definitely make these again…..and again….and again! DELICIOUS!!
That’s great, Amy! And now I kind of want your cake recipe…