NYTimes Cheesy Spicy Black Bean Bake

Use an oven-safe, broiler-safe skillet (up to 500 degrees at least). The original recipe calls for 10" skillet and says it serves 4.

The recipe calls for "smoked paprika" (made from smoked and dried chilies) which is different from regular paprika (from plain dried chilies). Alternatives include Option A: 2 parts reg paprika or chili powder to 1 part cumin; or Option B (less preferred): Regular paprika with 1 or 2 drops of liquid smoke, which will add a note of hickory/BBQ to the black bean bake. 

To add more flavor and spice:

• Use hot chicken stock instead of water for adding to the black beans.
• Add 1/4-1/2 tsp of cayenne to the spice mix.
• Add 1/8 tsp of chili powder to the spice mix. 

Serve with rice, chips, sour cream, etc. Leftovers can be used for burritos.

INGREDIENTS

3 Tbls extra virgin olive oil

5 garlic cloves

1/4 cup (4 Tbls) tomato paste

1-1/2 tsp smoked paprika or alternative (see Notes)

1/4 tsp red-pepper flakes

1 tsp cumin (this is in addition to the alternative, if using (see Notes)

1 cans (14 oz each) black beans

1-1/2 cups (about 6 oz) Manchego or *sharp* cheddar cheese

1/2 cup boiling water or hot stock

kosher salt

black pepper

(optional spices to boost heat: cayenne and/or chili powder. See Notes)

PREPARATION

1. Oven to 475. Drain and rinse black beans; shred the cheese. Set both aside.

2. Slice garlic cloves; boil water; and set aside.

3. In a small bowl, combine tomato paste, paprika, cumin, and red-pepper flakes (and if using, liquid smoke).

4. Heat olive oil in the oven-safe skillet on medium high.

5. Fry the slices of garlic until lightly golden, about 1 min.

6. Stir in the tomato paste mixture (it might splatter; reduce heat if necessary) and fry for 30 sec more. Avoid burning the garlic.

7. Stir in the black beans, boiling water, and generous pinches of kosher salt and black pepper.

8. Sprinkle shredded cheese(s) evenly over the top of skillet and bake 5-10 mins until cheese melts.

9. If the cheese isn't as brown as you like, and if the skillet can go under the broiler, put under broiler for 1-2 mins.