Homemade Pita Chips and Bean Dip

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As you have probably noticed, I have taken an extended vacation from writing for "Easy Eats". Because everyone has their limits as to what they can accomplish (including me), I was thrilled when Take Root and Write co-editor and writer, Karen Lowe , offered to share some of her easy recipes! So, I hope you enjoy and will try Karen's following recipes:

I am one who enjoys snack foods. I like some good nachos. And chocolate is certainly on the top of my list of yummy treats. Whenever I can create a healthier version of a snack or dessert, I am one happy woman! Last year, I decided to see if I could come up with a better way to eat tortilla chips and bean dip. I was tickled when not only did I like it, but so did my entire family! Give these whole grain pita chips a try. They're simple to make and delicious to eat!

Whole Grain Pita Chips with Homemade Bean Dip

Ingredients:

Whole grain pita bread (Be sure to buy one that is truly whole grain and no sugar in it.)
1 pound bag dry pinto beans
1 onion, chopped
salt
garlic powder
cumin
pepper

The very first thing you want to do is follow the instructions on the bag of pinto beans to soak them overnight. The next morning, drain and rinse them very well. Put them back into a pot, fill with water, and about a teaspoon of salt. Cook until done.

When the beans are done, let them cool. Once they are cool, put them in a food processor with about 1/4 of the chopped onion, salt if needed, a dash or two of pepper, and about 1 teaspoon cumin. Process this until well blended and creamy like a bean dip. A little oil can be added to make it creamier.

Now let's make the pita chips. You won't believe how easy this is! Simply take a piece of the pita bread and slice it like you would a pizza, making the pieces as big or small as you'd like them. Since the pita bread is hollow in the middle, you need to separate the two pieces in each slice. Lay them flat on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and garlic powder (not a lot). There is no need for any oil on these.

Bake them in a toaster oven on the toast setting or in an oven until they start to brown. The darker brown they get, the crispier they will be.

Serve these chips and bean dip with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, onion, sour cream, etc. If you'd like something a little different to go with the chips, try this black bean salsa.

Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients:

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced finely
1 clove garlic, chopped and sauteed lightly
1 large tomato, diced

Combine all of these ingredients in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can add some fresh cilantro as well.

Why not give these a try? You may just be surprised to find that they quickly move to the top of your favorite snack foods list!

Enjoy!
Karen Lowe

Take Root and Write Columns: Easy Eats; For The Cooking Impaired

Homemade Pita Chips and Bean Dip