Spicy Black Bean and Corn Tacos

A vibrant Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned black beans topped with a zesty corn salsa made with toasted nuts, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. These vegetarian tacos are served with creamy avocado and a tangy lime-sour cream sauce.

6 servings
42 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 2 ears ears of corn, shucked
  • 1 medium medium jalapeño, seeded, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided, plus lime wedges for serving
  • teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 whole red onion, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cans black beans, rinsed, drained
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 large avocado
  • thinly sliced

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Toast hazelnuts and pumpkin seeds in a medium skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, slice corn off cobs into a large bowl (you should have about 2 cups kernels). Add toasted nuts and seeds, jalapeño, red pepper, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup oil, 3 Tbsp. lime juice, and 1/2 tsp. salt; toss to combine.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring, until onion starts to release moisture and turns translucent, 4-5 minutes. Add beans, cumin, 1/3 cup water, and remaining 3/4 tsp. salt. Cover and cook until liquid is reduced and beans soften, about 5 minutes. Uncover, add 1/3 cup water, and use the back of a fork to mash up about half of beans.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Working one at a time, warm tortillas with tongs directly over a gas burner over medium heat, turning often, until lightly charred and puffed in spots, about 45 seconds per side. (Alternatively, wrap tortillas in foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave in 20-second bursts until warm.) Transfer to a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm.

    12 min

  5. 5.

    Whisk sour cream and remaining 2 Tbsp. lime juice in a small bowl. Fill tortillas with bean mixture, then top with corn salsa, avocado, and cilantro leaves. Drizzle with sour cream mixture and serve with lime wedges alongside.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Corn salsa and beans can be made 3 days ahead; store separately, cover, and chill. Bring corn salsa to room temperature. Reheat beans in skillet before serving.