Fresh Brazilian Black Bean Dip Recipe Easy Homemade Lime Cilantro Dip
A fresh and flavorful Brazilian black bean dip with lime and cilantro that is quick to make, versatile, and perfect for entertaining. This dip balances bright lime juice, fresh cilantro, and creamy black beans for a refreshing and hearty snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked or canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons water or bean liquid to adjust consistency
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly. Mince the garlic and finely chop the cilantro and red onion. Juice the lime and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine black beans, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pulse initially to start breaking down the beans, then blend continuously until smooth but still slightly textured. Add 2 tablespoons of water or bean liquid to loosen the mixture as needed. Aim for creamy but not watery.
- Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl if preferred, then gently fold in the chopped cilantro and red onion to keep freshness and crispness.
- Taste the dip and adjust by adding more lime juice for brightness, salt to enhance flavors, or olive oil for richness. If too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time.
- Optionally chill the dip in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to meld flavors before serving. Stir in a little water or olive oil if it thickens too much after chilling.
Notes
Use quality canned black beans that are firm and low sodium for best texture. Add fresh cilantro after blending to avoid bitterness. Pulse the beans instead of continuous blending to maintain some texture. Adjust lime juice carefully to balance brightness without overpowering. The dip thickens when chilled; stir in water or olive oil before serving. Variations include adding jalapeño or cayenne for heat, coconut or cashew cream for richness, or roasted red peppers for smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 5
Keywords: black bean dip, Brazilian dip, lime cilantro dip, easy dip recipe, healthy snack, vegan dip, gluten-free dip