Poor Man's Caviar Recipe

Beans are so versatile and not very expensive, it's no surprise that it is called the Poor Man's food. You can eat them as a meal, as an appetizer or an accompaniment.  Add them to soups or stews and you get a hearty meal. My husband is from Florida and we constantly travel there to see the sights. One time he took me to Saint Augustin to a restaurant called Columbia Restaurant.  Here is their website in case you have a chance to visit some day.  http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/st_augustine.asp
They had a Poor Man's Caviar recipe on the menu as an appetizer.  It was amazing. Something so simple was jam packed with flavor.  Here I am sharing 2 different recipes that I like.  It is not like at the Columbia Restaurant, but delicious too.

This recipe is chunky, the beans stay whole.

Black Bean Dip

1-15oz can black beans, drained

1/2 cup finely chopped red onions

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2 can black olives, drained and chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. each: salt & ground cumin

1/4 cup finely crumbles feta cheese

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Mix all ingredients in serving bowl. Chill and serve with tortilla chips.
Keeps well under refrigeration.

This recipe is slightly mashed.

Black Bean "Caviar" Dip 

2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained & rinse

2 tablespoons prepared black olive tapenade 

2 tablespoons ricotta salata, crumbled 

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

2 garlic cloves, minced  

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground 

Directions:

Combine all in a large bowl and coarsely mash with a wooden spoon.

Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with pita wedges.

Trick:  Use the Black Bean "Caviar" Dip as a chunky sauce on top of sliced pork tenderloin or roasted chicken.  Serve with rice and veggies.  Enjoy!