Enfrijoladas

Ingredients

2 tablespoons plus ⅓ cup grapeseed or other neutral oil, divided

1 large white onion, ¾ thinly sliced, ¼ finely chopped, reserved separately

2 medium garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin OR ¼ teaspoon ground allspice OR both

15½-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

Eight 6-inch corn tortillas

3 ounces cheddar OR Monterey jack cheese, shredded (¾ cup) OR cotija cheese, finely crumbled (about ½ cup)

½ cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional garnish: Sliced avocado OR Mexican crema (or sour cream) OR lime wedges OR a combination

Directions

In a large saucepan over medium-high, heat 2 tablespoons oil until shimmering. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic, chili powder and cumin; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beans, 2 cups water and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits, then cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the water is just below the level of the beans, 10 to 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a 12-inch skillet over medium, heat the remaining ⅓ cup oil until just beginning to shimmer. Slip 2 tortillas into the oil and cook just until they begin to puff and brown, 20 to 30 seconds, flipping the tortillas with a spatula halfway through; do not allow the tortillas to crisp. Transfer to a baking sheet and cover with foil. Warm the remaining tortillas in the same way, reducing the heat if the oil begins to smoke; it’s fine to overlap the tortillas on the baking sheet.

When the beans are done, remove the pan from the heat and cool for about 10 minutes. Using a blender and working in 2 batches to avoid overfilling the jar, puree the bean mixture until smooth, 15 to 20 seconds. Return the puree to the pan. (Alternatively, if you own an immersion blender, puree the mixture directly in the pan.) Cook uncovered over low, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Using tongs, fold a tortilla in half and submerge it in the bean puree (still over low heat), then transfer to an individual plate. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, placing 2 on each plate. Spoon the remaining bean puree over the enfrijoladas and top with the cheese, cilantro and the chopped onion.

Notes

To make enfrijoladas, a tortilla and bean dish from Oaxaca, Mexico, cooked black beans are pureed, then corn tortillas are dipped into the beans and folded onto the plate. But before being dipped in the bean puree, the tortillas must be cooked for a few seconds in oil so they’re pliable enough to be folded, and also so they don’t turn to mush when sauced. We use canned black beans for ease. Garnishes complete the dish, adding contrasting color, texture and flavor. We think chopped onion, cheese and cilantro are essential; a couple additional options are listed below.