Introduction
Nachos are my go-to “we want something fun, now” dinner. You can absolutely keep it vegetarian, but I often add a little chorizo for that extra spicy, smoky edge.
Start by frying onion in a splash of oil and add black beans. Warm up the oven and spread tortilla chips in a baking dish. Once they get a touch of color, it’s cheese time. Keep it simple with a bag of shredded cheese, or go full nerd and make a white cheese sauce from scratch.
Spoon over the bean mix and push the flavors where you want them. Here I’m using sriracha and sriracha mayo, plus a full bunch of spring onions.
Step-by-step
Ingredients (3–4 servings)
- Tortilla chips (200–300 g / 7–11 oz)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 150–200 g chorizo (5–7 oz), diced (optional)
- 250–300 g shredded cheese (9–11 oz)
- Salsa
- Sour cream or crème fraîche
- Sriracha / hot sauce (and sriracha mayo if you like)
- 1 bunch spring onions, thinly sliced
Spice suggestion:
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
- Salt and black pepper
Method
- Heat the oven: 220 °C / 430 °F (conventional).
- Bean + chorizo mix: Fry onion in a little oil over medium heat until soft. Add chorizo (if using) and cook 2–3 minutes. Stir in beans and spices and let it simmer 3–5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a little hot sauce.
- Toast the chips: Spread chips in a baking dish and bake 3–5 minutes, just until lightly toasted.
- Cheese: Take the dish out, add cheese, and bake 5–8 minutes until melted and bubbling.
- Top + serve: Spoon the bean/chorizo mix over the top. Add salsa, sour cream/crème fraîche, hot sauce, and lots of spring onions. Serve immediately.
Quesadillas (optional, if you want more food)
- Place a tortilla in a hot pan. Sprinkle with cheese and add any extra fillings you like (chorizo, onion, beans, etc.).
- Top with another tortilla and cook until the cheese starts to melt.
- Flip and cook the other side.
- Cut into 8 wedges and serve.
Tips
- Vegetarian: Skip the chorizo and add a bit more spice and hot sauce.
- Crispier chips: Use a wide dish (or two) so the chips aren’t piled too thick.
- Make it a meal: Add a quick salad on the side (lettuce + lime is enough).
