BLACK BEAN NACHOS

FOR NACHOS:

Corn oil
2
2
1
1
2
cupcuptablespoons
Flour tortillas (8")
Chorizo or spicy sausageBlack bean pestoMonterey jack cheese -- shredChopped cilantro (coriander)
FOR BLACK BEAN PESTO:
8 ounces Dried black beans
1
1
1
quart Water
Bay leafHam hock
2
20 milliliters
Jalapenos -- seededGarlic
Stems from 2 bunchs of
Cilantro (fresh coriander)
Salt/fresh ground pepper

For Black Bean Pesto:

Rinse and drain beans thoroughly. Place them in a large saucepan or
soup kettle and add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce
heat, simmer, uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours.

Remove and discard ham hock and bay leaf. Using slotted spoon, transfer
bean mixture, in batches, to the bowl of a food processor. Process,
adding cooking liquid as necessary to form a smooth, thick paste. You
will use a total of about 1 cup liquid.

Transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in the salt and pepper if needed.
Refrigerate, covered, until ready to use. Will keep in fridge for 2-3
days.

Nachos:

Preheat oven to 375F. Fill a heavy skillet with 1/2" corn oil. Heat it
until oil just starts to move. Then fry the tortillas, one at a time,
until light golden brown, about 15 seconds on each side. Drain on paper
towels.

Slice chorizo into 1/4" thick rounds and saute them in a small skillet
until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and drain on
paper towel.

Place tortillas on baking sheet, and spread pesto evenly over them.
Arrange sausage over pesto and sprinkle with cheese. Top with chopped
cilantro.

Bake until brown, 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cut each tortilla
into eight pieces. Serve immediately.