Southwestern Layered Bean Dip

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/southwestern_layered_bean_dip.html

From EatingWell:  January/February 2007

Plenty of black beans, salsa and chopped fresh vegetables mean a healthy amount of dietary fiber in this Tex-Mex layered dip. We use reduced-fat sour cream along with full-fat (and full-flavored) cheese to make the dip lighter without compromising great taste. Be sure to have lots of baked tortilla chips on hand when you serve it.

12 servings, about 1/2 cup each | Active Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 16-ounce can nonfat refried beans, preferably “spicy”
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 1/2 cup prepared salsa
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices, chopped
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, or Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 medium avocado, chopped
• 1/4 cup canned sliced black olives, (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with cheese.
2. Microwave on High until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives (if using).

Nutrition

Per serving : 146 Calories; 7 g Fat; 3 g Sat; 3 g Mono; 12 mg Cholesterol; 15 g Carbohydrates; 7 g Protein; 5 g Fiber; 288 mg Sodium; 164 mg Potassium

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 very lean meat, 1 fat

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 1, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. To serve, continue with Steps 2 & 3.