Tex-Mex Bean Bites

This vegetarian tex-mex snack full of beans is easy to make and even easier to eat!

Course Appetizer, Snack

Key Ingredient Beans

Dietary Need Vegetarian

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Servings bites

Calories 94

6 large flour tortillas
1 can (19 oz/540 mL) red kidney, black or pinto beans, drained & rinsed (yields 2 cups/500 mL cooked beans)
1 cup (250 mL) chunky salsa
1/2 tsp (2 mL) chili powder, optional
1 cup (250 mL) low fat grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh cilantro (see notes)
sour cream or plain yogurt, for topping, optional

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Using a 4-inch (10 cm) cookie cutter, cut 4 rounds out of each flour tortilla. Alternatively, use a 3-inch (7.5 cm) cookie cutter to make 7 rounds for mini muffin cups.
Press the tortilla rounds into muffin cups. If the tortillas are not soft enough, carefully microwave the rounds for 15 seconds or lightly brush one side with water.
Bake the cups for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden and crisp (these can be made several days ahead and stored in an airtight container).
While cups are baking, combine the beans, salsa, chili powder (f using), cheese and cilantro into a medium bowl.
For regular muffin pans, spoon 1 1/2 - 2 Tbsp (20-30 mL) filling into the tortilla cups and 1/2 - 1 Tbsp (7-15 mL) into mini cups.
Place the cups on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt if desired.

You can substitute the fresh cilantro with 1 Tbsp (15 mL) dry coriander.
Not a fan of fresh cilantro? You can use fresh flat leaf parsley or 2 tsp (10 mL) dry parsley instead.