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Three vibrant black bean tacos with fresh toppings, sour cream, and lime, served on a dark platter with a side of dipping sauce.
Reda

Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema

Hearty, smoky black bean tacos packed with flavor, topped with a zesty lime slaw and creamy avocado crema. A perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and quick to make.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Vegetarian
Calories: 585

Ingredients
  

For the Smoky Black Bean Filling
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 small Yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Frozen or canned corn drained if canned
  • 1-2 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce minced, plus 1 tsp of the sauce
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup Water or vegetable broth
  • to taste Salt and fresh black pepper
For the Avocado Crema
  • 1 large Ripe avocado pitted and scooped
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream use vegan sour cream for a vegan option
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
  • 1 Lime juiced
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 2-4 tbsp Water to thin to desired consistency
For Serving
  • 8-12 small Corn or flour tortillas
  • 2 cups Red cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Crumbled cotija or feta cheese optional
  • 1 Jalapeño thinly sliced, optional
  • 1 Lime cut into wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Prepare the Toppings
  1. Make the Avocado Crema: In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the crema reaches your desired drizzling consistency. Set aside.
  2. Make the Quick Slaw: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced red cabbage with the juice of half a lime and a pinch of salt. Massage it gently with your hands for 30 seconds to help it soften. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Cook the Black Bean Filling
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are toasted and fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed black beans, corn, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and water (or broth) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, gently mash about a third of the beans directly in the pan. This helps create a creamier, thicker filling.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Serve
  1. While the filling simmers, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or carefully char them over a gas flame with tongs.
  2. To assemble, spoon a generous amount of the black bean filling into each warm tortilla. Top with the lime slaw, a drizzle of avocado crema, crumbled cotija cheese, and a few slices of jalapeño, if using. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For a vegan version, use a plant-based sour cream or silken tofu in the avocado crema and omit the cheese. Leftover black bean filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It's also great in burritos or on nachos.