Cheesy Chili-Bean Nachos
These Nachos use tortillas which resemble a wonderfully flaky pastry when deep fried. The "Nacho Chips" should be drained well on paper towels and can be made several hours ahead and kept in a warm oven.
10 large flour tortillas
Vegetable oil for deep frying
1 recipe Randall Hearty 'N Healthy Refried Beans*
1 14-ounce can chopped mild green chilies
3-4 pickled jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (to taste)
8 ounces shredded jack cheese
8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese
Cut each tortilla into 6 wedges. Fry in 365-375° vegetable oil until golden and crisp. Remove to a paper-towel lined dish and drain thoroughly.
To Assemble The Nachos:
Spread each crisp tortilla wedge with some of the Refried Beans.
Mix together the two peppers and sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon over the Refried Beans.
Top with some of each cheese.
Place on baking sheets. Place in a preheated 375° oven just until cheese is melted.
Serve hot.
Makes 60 appetizers.
Depending on how you choose to spell the word, chile is chile in Spain or Mexico, or chili in America or chilli if you happen to be in England or a British commonwealth country.
* Randall Hearty 'N Healthy Refried Beans:
1 48-ounce jar Randall Pinto Beans
6 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon salt, (or to taste)
8 ounces shredded jack cheese
Extra cheese for the top, if desired
Drain the beans over a bowl. Measure out 1/2 cup of the liquid and reserve.
Purée the beans with the 1/2 cup of reserved liquid in a food processor or blender until mixture is very smooth. (If blender is used, pour in the liquid first, then add the beans.)
Heat the olive oil in a heavy sauce pan. Add the onion. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until the onion is just tender.
Stir in the puréed beans.
Add the sugar, hot pepper sauce and salt. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in the cheese until it is melted.
Serve hot as a vegetable side dish with more cheese melted on top of each serving.
Makes about 5 cups.