Chipotle Black Bean Dip with Garlic Pita Chips

This recipe is a fun variation on regular black bean dip, since it uses canned black soybeans instead. It makes for easy entertaining, since the chips can be made up to 2 days ahead of time, and the dip itself up to 4 days ahead. As an alternative to an appetizer, you can make the dip as a sandwich spread - it's great for pita sandwiches with tomato and lettuce.

For the chips, start by wrapping 6 unpeeled garlic cloves in aluminum foil; bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes, then let stand for 10 minutes before extracting the garlic pulp, and discarding the skins.

Spread the garlic pulp evenly over 2 (6-inch) whole wheat pitas, and spray the pitas with cooking spray. Cut each pita in half, and then each of those halves into 8 wedges (so you have 32 wedges total). Arrange the wedges on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. coarse salt and 1/8 tsp. black pepper. Bake at 400 degrees for 7 minutes.

(Note: if you make the chips ahead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature).

To make the dip, combine the following in a food processor: 1/3 cup bottled salsa (I used the mild salsa from Muir Glen), 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil, 1 teaspoon raw sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, 1/4 tsp. coarse salt, 1/2 tsp. onion powder, 1 chopped garlic clove, and 1 (15-ounce) rinsed and drained can of black soybeans. Process until smooth, then spoon into a bowl. Cover and chill if you're making it ahead of time.

For the canned soybeans, try Eden Organics. For the chipotle chiles, a useful tip is to store them in individual portions of an ice cube tray, since you almost never need an entire can at one time - that way, you don't need to buy a new can every time a recipe calls for just a little bit!

3 tablespoons dip plus 4 pita chips makes an appetizer serving of 110 calories.

Cost:
whole wheat pitas $1.99
cilantro $1.69
tomato paste $2.49
canned black soybeans $2.79