Ingredients
Mango Salsa
- 1 ½ cups diced mango
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Black Beans
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese
- Oil or butter, for cooking
- 8 to 12 small fajita-size flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare Mango Salsa: In a bowl, combine diced mango, diced shallot, seeded and diced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Toss well to combine. This salsa can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- Season and Smash Beans: In a separate bowl, toss the drained black beans with kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Using a fork, smash some of the beans coarsely, leaving some whole for texture.
- Cook Black Beans: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned beans and cook, tossing occasionally, until the edges become crisp and the beans are heated through. Sprinkle a portion of the Monterey Jack cheese over the beans and allow it to melt.
- Remove Beans from Skillet: Transfer the cooked beans to a plate to keep warm.
- Assemble and Crisp Tacos: In the same skillet, add a little oil or butter. For each tortilla, sprinkle cheese on one half, top with a portion of the smashed beans, then fold the tortilla over. Cook each taco until both sides are golden brown and crisp, and the cheese has fully melted.
- Serve: Plate the crispy smashed black bean tacos and serve immediately with the prepared mango salsa on the side or on top for a fresh, tangy contrast.
Notes
- The mango salsa can be made in advance to enhance flavor.
- Use flour tortillas for best folding and crisping; corn tortillas may break more easily.
- Adjust the jalapeno quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with another melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella if desired.
- For a vegan version, omit cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative and cook with oil instead of butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Tacos
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
