Gourmet Black Bean Melt with Avocado and Pico de Gallo

Ingredients

- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 slices whole grain bread
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare Black Beans Mixture: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Once heated, add the black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and kosher salt. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the beans are fragrant and heated through. Use a fork to lightly mash about half of the beans for texture, then remove from heat.

3. Toast Bread: On a baking sheet, arrange the slices of whole grain bread. Brush each slice lightly with the remaining tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Place in the preheated oven for 5 minutes or until the bread is lightly toasted.

4. Assemble the Melts: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Spread an even layer of the black bean mixture over each slice of bread. Sprinkle Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses generously over the black bean layer.

5. Bake: Return the assembled open-faced melts to the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Prepare Toppings: While the melts are baking, mix the diced avocado with the pico de gallo in a small bowl.

7. Add Toppings: Once out of the oven, let the melts cool for a minute. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a generous spoonful of the avocado-pico de gallo mixture, and a scattering of pickled red onions.

8. Serve: Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. Enjoy the contrasting flavors and textures with friends or family.

Total Time

PT30M
30 minutes

Type of Dish

Lunch

Keywords

Black beans, Melt, Gourmet sandwich, Avocado, Pico de gallo, Easy lunch, Cheesy melts, Open-faced sandwich, Oven-baked, Savory

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total calories: 1400

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