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Black Bean Tortilla Pie as well as its more Americanized cousin which is made using a certain brand of corn chips, is a popular Tex-Mex dish which enjoys a lot of popularity on both sides of the Rio Grande. For many Americans of a certain age, it was this dish, not the offerings of the popular Mexican fast food chains that were their first introduction to the flavors of Mexican cuisine.
This vegetarian variation on the classic tortilla pie recipe omits the ground beef in favor of seasoned black beans which offer a similar flavor profile to traditional tortilla pie, but in a healthier dish which is just as savory as any other version of the dish you have ever had. The beans are simmered with vegetable broth, onions, peppers, chilies, and spices before being nestled between layers of crunchy tortilla chips.

Black Bean Tortilla Pie

The whole enchilada (or if you will, tortilla pie) is topped with rich, savory sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack, or both and baked to golden brown perfection. It is a classic casserole which is comfort food for countless Americans in the southwest and elsewhere throughout the country who grew up on tortilla pie. If you have been missing this classic Tex Mex dish, give this vegetarian version a try - you will be surprised by how great it is!

Black Bean Tortilla Pie Ingredients

1. 4 cups tortilla chips, broken into large pieces
2. 1 can of black beans (155-16 ounces, or about 2 cups of cooked black beans if you want to make your own)
3. ½ cup milk or soymilk
4. 2 egg whites (or equivalent amount of egg replacer)
5. 1 medium white, red or yellow onion, diced
6. 1 large green or red bell pepper, diced
7. 4 cloves garlic, minced
8. 1-2 jalapeno peppers, diced (seeds may be removed to reduce the heat level)
9. 8 oz (1 can) green chilies, drained and chopped
10. ¾ cup vegetable broth
11. 1 tsp cumin or chili powder
12. ½ tsp oregano
13. Salt and black pepper, to taste
14. 1 cup sharp cheddar and/or Monterey jack cheese, shredded
15. 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus another 1 tbsp or cooking spray for the baking dish

Black Bean Tortilla Pie Preparation

1. Start by sautéing the garlic, onions, peppers, green chili, and jalapeno in a little vegetable oil until the garlic and onions turn translucent and the peppers start to become tender.
2. Add the beans, spices, milk or soymilk, egg whites or egg replacer and vegetable broth and cook over medium heat until the broth is mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes.
3. Oil or spray the bottom and sides of a 9" baking dish, then add about a fourth of the tortilla chips at the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of the bean mixture, followed by another layer of chips and so on, finishing with a layer of chips.
4. Top with the cheese and bake for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
5. Allow to rest for a few minutes, slice into squares and serve hot with salsa or lime wedges.

Black Bean Tortilla Chips Recipe 

Tortilla pie is something that just about everyone loves; and with this healthier black bean based version, you don't have to worry so much about what can be an unhealthy, if hearty meal. Of course, this black bean tortilla pie recipe still is not exactly what you would call health food, but it is significantly lighter than the traditional beef-filled variety.
This recipe makes a wonderful dinner accompanied by a green salad; and it is great left over, either cold or reheated. Once you have tried this vegetarian spin on tortilla pie, you will definitely want to make extra to enjoy the next day or as a midnight snack - it is just that good!

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