Black Bean Salsa

Makes about 3 1/2 to 4 cups.

Note: Terrific on nachos and with chips, this is also great on grilled fish and chicken. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 4 days in a covered container. Try this recipe with any of our locally grown dried beans. From Beth Dooley.

• 1/2 lb. dried black beans, picked over for grit

• Generous pinch salt

• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 lb. tomatoes, cherry or plum, chopped

• 1 small red onion, minced

• 1 jalapeño or serrano chile, ribs and seeds removed, chopped

• 1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Put the beans, salt and garlic cloves in a medium pot and enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Set over high heat, bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, testing for doneness after 1 hour. Remove, drain and set aside. (Save the stock for soup or chili.)

In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, onion, chile and cilantro. Toss in the beans and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition information per ¼ cup:

Calories50

Carbohydrates10 g

Protein3 g

Fat0 g

Saturated fat0 g

Cholesterol0 mg

Sodium20 mg

Total sugars1 g

Dietary fiber3 g

Exchanges per serving: 2 vegetable.