Loaded Veggie Nachos
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
1 tsp freshly minced garlic
1 kg canned kidney beans, or any legumes of choice
2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
1 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp cracked black pepper
⅓ cup water
150 g frozen corn kernels
Tomato and coriander salsa
2 tomatoes, diced
1 red onion, finely diced
1 bunch coriander (cilantro), leaves picked
2 tbsp lime juice
½ tsp salt
To serve
200 g corn chips (roughly 1 cup per person)
½ cup freshly grated cheddar (see note 1 to make it vegan)
½ cup freshly grated mozzarella (see notes 1 and 2)
1 avocado, mashed
¼ cup sour cream (see note 1 to make it vegan)
Fresh sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños, to serve (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan).
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until softened.
Add the kidney beans and tomato paste and stir them through.
Add the sweet paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
Add ¼ cup (60 ml) of water and the corn. Add an additional ¼ cup if the water reduces too quickly and you would like the bean mixture to be saucier. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 8 minutes.
To make the tomato and coriander salsa, combine the ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
Arrange the corn chips on a baking tray lined with baking (parchment) paper and top with the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the cheeses. Bake for 3–5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Top with the tomato and coriander salsa, and dollops of mashed avocado and sour cream. Sprinkle with jalapeños (if using) and serve immediately!
NOTES
1: You can buy vegan (plant-based) shredded cheese and sour cream from most supermarkets,.
2: Using a combination of cheddar AND mozzarella means you get a sharp, bold flavour from the cheddar and a gooey, melty texture from the mozzarella, but you can add any cheese you like!