Beans and tortillas are a classic pairing served in numerous configurations, usually with the beans served in or on the tortilla. But for Oaxacan enfrijoladas, lightly fried tortillas are dipped into and completely coated by a black bean puree.
For the enfrijoladas recipe in our book “Cook What You Have,” which draws on pantry staples to assemble easy, weeknight meals, we use canned beans for ease.
We cook the beans down with an aromatic mix of onion, garlic and cumin, then blend everything until smooth and creamy. A standard blender works fine, but if you own an immersion blender, you can puree the beans directly in the pan. Briefly frying the tortillas until they start to puff and brown but don’t quite crisp keeps them pliable enough to dip, but also ensures they don’t turn to mush when sauced.
Garnishes make this simple vegetarian dish a meal and add contrasting color, texture and flavor. We think chopped onion, crumbled cotija cheese and cilantro are essential, but you can add sliced avocado and Mexican crema for a little richness, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten.