Mexican Food Recipes - Avocado Dip, Black Bean Dip and White Bean Dip

Homemade Mexican meals are definitely more enjoyable than the taste of Mexican fast food any day of the year. Here are three vegetarian Mexican food recipes for an avocado dip, a white bean and a black bean dip.

Lime juice and fresh cilantro leaves are called for in all these Mexican food recipes. Cilantro has a pungent lime-like taste which complements the flavor of lime juice.

Avocado Dip with Cilantro
Avocado is sometimes referred to as alligator pear due to its wrinkly, dark green skin which somewhat resembles the hide of an alligator. Serve this dip along with corn chips, for an appetizer, or serve it as a condiment along with tacos and fajitas.

Ingredients for the Avocado Dip
2 small or 1 large ripe avocado - peeled and pit removed
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro - minced

Directions for the Avocado Dip
1. Add the avocado to a small bowl and mash well with the back of a large fork.

2. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

3. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Black Bean Dip with Cumin and Coriander
An old wive's tale for planting by the phases of the moon gave advice on when to plant peas and beans in your garden: "Sow peas and beans, in the wane of the moon. Who soweth them sooner, he soweth too soon."

Ingredients for the Black Bean Dip
One (15 ounce) can black beans
1 tablespoon garlic chives - snipped with scissors
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro -minced
2 cloves garlic - peeled and chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 cup green onions - sliced

Directions for the Black Bean Dip
1. Place a colander in your sink and use it to rinse off and drain the can of black beans.

2. Add the beans and all the remaining ingredients to a food processor or blender.

3. Process until of a fine paste consistency.

4. Spoon the dip into a small bowl and serve along with corn chips, raw vegetables or pita bread.

White Bean Dip with Walnuts
This is another great Mexican food recipe to serve as an appetizer at your next gathering featuring Mexican-style food.

Ingredients for White Bean Dip
One (16 ounce) can white beans
¼ cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon cilantro leaves
2 cloves garlic
½ teaspoon salt

Directions for White Bean Dip
1. Place a colander in your sink and use it to rinse and drain the can of beans.

2. Add the beans and all the remaining ingredients to a food processor or blender.

3. Process until of a fine paste consistency.

4. Spoon the dip into a small bowl and serve along with corn chips, raw vegetables or pita bread.