Zesty Corn and Black Bean Medley
Elevate your next Mexican feast with this vibrant Zesty Corn and Black Bean Medley. This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures with sweet corn, hearty black beans, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. It's the perfect accompaniment to red enchiladas, providing a colorful contrast and a satisfying balance to your meal. Quick to prepare and bursting with nutrients, this medley is a refreshing alternative to traditional Mexican rice, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
1 tablespoon (none)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
corn
1 can (11 ounce) (drained)
black beans
1 can (15 ounce) (drained and rinsed)
chopped green chilies
1 can (4 ounce) (none)
cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
Stir in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, chopped green chilies, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes.
4
Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for an additional 5-7 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
5
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
6
Serve warm alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Corn and Black Bean Medley?
It is a vibrant Mexican-inspired side dish featuring sweet corn, hearty black beans, and green chilies.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian and also vegan-friendly.
How long does it take to sauté the onion?
The chopped onion should be sautéed for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
What size can of corn is needed?
You will need one 11-ounce can of corn.
Do I need to rinse the black beans?
Yes, the black beans should be both drained and rinsed before being added to the pan.
What size can of black beans should I use?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of black beans.
How much cumin is required?
You should use 1 teaspoon of cumin for this recipe.
Is the Zesty Corn and Black Bean Medley spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat depending on your preference for crushed red pepper flakes.
How much crushed red pepper flakes should I add?
The standard amount is 1/8 teaspoon, but you can adjust this to your spice preference.
What size can of green chilies is used?
The recipe uses one 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies.
How long is the final cooking time once all ingredients are combined?
The mixture should be cooked for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
You can use any standard cooking oil, such as vegetable, canola, or olive oil.
Can I serve this with red enchiladas?
Yes, it is specifically recommended as a colorful contrast and satisfying balance to red enchiladas.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is a nutrient-dense dish featuring fiber-rich beans and vegetables.
What is the prep for the green chilies?
The canned chopped green chilies do not require any additional preparation.
How much onion do I need?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, frozen corn can be substituted, though you may need to cook it slightly longer to ensure it is heated through.
Should this be served warm or cold?
This medley is intended to be served warm.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made in advance and reheated easily on the stove or in a microwave.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on canned goods.
Can I add fresh cilantro to this dish?
Fresh cilantro would make an excellent garnish and add extra flavor.
What other dishes does this pair well with?
It pairs well with tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, or any Mexican-themed meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I use this as a taco filling?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as a vegetarian filling for tacos or burritos.
How much oil is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of oil.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the plant-based ingredients and oil, this dish is naturally cholesterol-free.
What makes the dish colorful?
The combination of bright yellow corn, dark black beans, and green chilies creates a vibrant look.
Can I use dried beans?
Yes, but you must cook the dried beans fully before using them in this recipe.
Can I add lime juice?
A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving would enhance the zesty flavor profile.