Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Salsa is kind of a catch all for food toppings, and is found all throughout the Latin world, and places where there are large Latino communities. Salsa is traced back to the times of the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans. The native people created their own versions of salsa using tomatoes, chilies, and squash seeds, however “official discovery” to the rest of the world did not occur until after the Spaniards conquered Mexico in the 1500s.

I LOVE salsa, and we eat it all the time, on everything. But then I grew up in Pasadena, CA, where there is a very large Latino community and Latin influences are found all over the place, everywhere you go in California. There are as many different types of salsa as there are people who eat it. One of those types of salsa is a black bean & corn salsa.

Black bean salsa is a type of salsa that incorporates black beans into the mix, along with other ingredients like tomatoes, corn, and chilies. Black beans usually go with every kind of dish, may it be rice, meat or vegetable, due to their sweet taste that perfectly contrasts with the chili pepper’s spiciness.

The history of salsa can be traced back to the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans, who created their own versions of the dish using native ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, and squash seeds. The Aztecs also domesticated tomatoes and passed their salsa traditions on to later cultures in Central America and the United States.  Black beans are native to the Americas. Black beans date back over 7,000 years when they were a staple in the diets of Central and South Americans. 

Noah and I made our own version of black bean and corn salsa the other day, to top his carnitas burritos. Carnitas Burritos As with any salsa, you can use this for anything. It goes with everything.

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1-2 cups frozen corn, thawed

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 TBSP garlic

2 tomatoes, diced

1-2 jalapenos, diced fine and/or roasted green chilies

1/2 cup green onions, sliced

4 TBSP balsamic vinegar

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp dried oregano, or 1 TBSP fresh oregano

cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper to taste

1 tsp sugar

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Combine the balsamic vinegar, sugar and seasonings together.

Mix all the vegetables together. Add the balsamic vinegar mixture and toss together thoroughly. Chill for at least 2 hours, then serve with whatever you like.

Noah the Pirate, concocting his black bean & corn salsa.

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.