First comes love, then comes marriage…
Or in this case, first comes the most delicious chip from Trader Joe’s, then comes the idea to pair it with an even more delicious dip.
One of my Paper Source co-workers recently had a bag of Trader Joe’s Rice and Bean Chips with Adzuki Beans. She offered me a couple. Then I just about ate her entire bag. Part of me felt like a huge pig and the other part, well, just didn’t care at all. (Never offer me food if you don’t really want to share). Random story; a customer came in one day with a loaf of warm bread from When Pigs Fly and I commented on how great it smelled. She offered me a chunk of it, I said “yes” (duh), and she and I talked for a good 5-minutes about how amazing bread is while everyone starred at me in disbelief that I accepted bread from a stranger. Don’t act like you wouldn’t have done the same. 
Back to the subject at hand. After I tried these chips, I immediately went to TJ’s to buy two bags. I devoured one bag in no time at all but promised myself to save the other bag so I could try them with a homemade bean dip. These chips are perfectly perfect on their own in every way imaginable. They’re light, crispy, have a touch of spiciness to them, I could eat them for dinner, and I could continue going on. But I wanted to just see how they’d taste with a good bean dip.
I found a black bean dip recipe in the Healthy and Delicious section on Serious Eats which I thought would work well with the chips. The dip calls for cayenne pepper and green chilies so I knew between that and the little kick the chips provided this would be a spicy little snack. Feelin’ hot, hot, hot.
Here’s what you need:
• 2 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 teaspoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you want to turn the heat up a bit!… oww oww!)
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons canned green chilies, chopped (if they’re not already)
Here’s what you do:
In the bowl of a food processor add the beans, tomato paste, water, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and cayenne. Puree until it everything is well-blended and it reaches a comfortable dip-like consistency.
Mix in the green chilies and about half of the chopped scallions; stir.
Place the dip in a serving bowl and add the other half of the chopped scallions; serve with lime slices.
And, of course, my newest favorite chips
I always like to have a go-to appetizer or snack in the back of my mind only because you never know who’s going to pop over or when you’ll have to quickly make something to bring somewhere. With only a few (very inexpensive!) ingredients that are most likely in your pantry right now, this is definitely an ideal recipe to toss together on a whim. Or if you’re just craving a little somethin’ somthin’ for yourself!
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Also, can we quickly discuss how excited I am about Daylight Savings? Check out the picture below that I took inside my kitchen (which has a good source of light) compared to the photos above that I took outside. Being able to take food photos on my deck again at, ooooh say, 5:30pm and still having it be light out is HEAVENLY! Spring is in the air, kids 
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What’s your favorite brand of chips? Besides the TJ’s Rice and Bean chips, I’m been loving the new Tias chips by Kettle! Think Doritos but better for you!
[Chels]
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Oh how I miss Trader Joes!! I say that EVERY TIME I see something from Trader Joes on a blog, lol. Those chips sound ammmaazing! And I will definitely be making this dip soon too
TJ’s always makes the best chips. It really truly does. their pita chips leave me swooning.
I haven’t made a good dip in a while. And this black bean dip sounds fantastic. I think it’s time I make the plunge back into dip-dom don’t you think?
TJs has so many good snack foods. The chips sound yummy and the dip looks awesome! I love that its a more healthy dip (vs. loaded with cheese or sour cream). I’d totally take food from a stranger if it looked good
. Other favorite chips- pretty much any natural tortilla chip & pop chips
I know what is going on my Trader Joe’s list this weekend!
Black beans and lime are the best combo!
Great recipe!
ooh great to know about these chips!
I think I actually like black bean dip better than hummus. I feel like saying that is heresy, but it has so much more flavor! THanks for sharing this recipe.
Hahaha. I would tooootally accept food from a stranger. And I have endured many a weird look because of it.
Oh thank you thank you for posting this. I have been looking for a great black bean dip recipe. A local restaurant serves it w/ every meal and we love it! I could also use some good snacky food to go with all the green drinks today! Just posted Three green cocktails on my blog…Irish Mojito, Caramel Apple Martini and Grasshopper. Yumm! Thanks again for the recipe guys!
Another dish to drool over! Love chips with dips, I could eat the whole bowl sitting in front of the tv! And then feeling guilty for being such a pig! Delicious! Oh btw, I have an award in my blog for you if you care to accept it, please do drop by to pick it up,
I’m loving healthy bean dips right now. I usually use chickpeas or white beans but this south of the border twist is awesome!
I adore the sweet potato chips from Food Should Taste Good. There is a great amount of flavor packed into those little chips. I cant be trusted with a bag… you know, the big bag. lol.
I am totally with you about Daylight Savings! I’ve been working from home a lot so I’ve been cooking in the afternoon and I’m LOVING the natural light for my photos.
BTW, love the serving dish for the chips and dip!
I love Trader Joe’s Rice and Bean chips! Will have to try with this yummy dip too! My favorite chips…as bad as they are for me… puff Cheetos!!! YUM!
though i do not know abt TJ chips, but i’m sure they are very addictive, i love many sorts chips and i think dips really go well with chips. i also like the way you display the list of items that needed fo rcooking, i think that’s very helpful, shall see you here more often!
I’ve never tried these chips but I have them on my weekend shopping list. Your dip sounds wonderful. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
I love Trader Joe’s, and I always have black beans on hand. I’ll be definitely be making this recipe!
Your black bean dip sounds delicious, and I’ll have to pick up a bag of those chips during my next excursion to TJ’s! I like the Garden of Eatin’ & Food Should Taste Good brand of chips. Popchips are also good vehicles for dip.
I made a feta and black bean dip at Christmas that was SO deliciousm and really easy! I love anything with black beans, really
How fun. The last time I was there I spied some new mini pita type crackers that I’ve been meaning to try as well. They have so many good snacky items.
I’m totally gonna have to go look for those chips!! This dip looks like the perfect accompaniment. Love it
@michelle I got the serving tray from The Christmas Tree Shop YEARS ago. I love finding little unique (and inexpensive) pieces there! It’s so handy for entertaining. [chels]
that dip looks great! and i’m loving the light at night too..though it does stink to get up in the dark again
Thanks to you I tried the Kettle Tia’s chips today! Holy yum! I love Doritos but hate feeling so gross–these are tasty and at least seem healthier/less greasy.
My favorite brand of chips is definitely Kettle.
Spring is most definitely in the air. This bean dip looks great. Love the addition of chiles.