Sep 04 2026
RestaurantsIsland Gypsy Cafe & Marina BarBahama Mama Black Bean Dip Recipe

Bahama Mama Black Bean Dip Recipe

Time30m
Serves6

Gluten Free - Black Bean/ Pico De Gallo/ Citrus Sour Cream/ Tortilla Chips

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Ingredients

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Black Bean Dip

Method

Black Bean Dip

  1. 1

    Prepare beans

    Drain and rinse the canned black beans thoroughly. Shake off excess water.

  2. 2

    Blend base

    In a food processor or blender, combine the drained black beans, chopped red onion (reserve a tablespoon for garnish if desired), chopped cilantro (reserve a little for garnish), 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

  3. 3

    Process to desired texture

    Pulse 8–12 times until mixture is mostly smooth but still has some texture. If dip is too thick, add up to 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse again until you reach a creamy, scoopable consistency.

  4. 4

    Adjust seasoning

    Taste and adjust salt, lime, or cumin as needed. Transfer the black bean dip to a serving bowl and cover to keep warm at room temperature or slightly chilled while you finish the other components.

Pico de Gallo

  1. 5

    Combine the diced tomatoes, diced onion, minced jalapeño (if using), 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl. Stir gently to combine.

  2. 6

    Let the pico rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if necessary.

Citrus Sour Cream

  1. 7

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon lime zest, 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon honey or agave (optional) and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt until smooth and slightly airy. Chill briefly if you prefer a firmer dollop.

To Serve

  1. 8

    Spoon the black bean dip into a shallow serving bowl, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.

  2. 9

    Spoon 1/3–1/2 cup of pico de gallo in the center or scatter across the top of the dip for bright freshness.

  3. 10

    Dot 2–3 teaspoons of the citrus sour cream over the pico or pipe small dollops around the dip for visual contrast.

  4. 11

    Garnish with the reserved cilantro leaves and the reserved tablespoon of finely chopped red onion. Serve immediately with 6 oz of gluten-free tortilla chips and lime wedges on the side.

  5. 12

    If making ahead: store the black bean dip, pico and citrus sour cream separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain chip crunch and pico freshness.

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