Black Bean and Chorizo Fillo Baskets

Last night these delightful Mini Fillo Shells were lingering around my pantry saying “fill me and eat me!” These were a spur-of-the-moment purchase while at Fresh and Easy last week.  My thought “these are cute, I can find something to put in them!” And last night I did! They became the appetizer before my yummy dinner of Chicken and Sweet Corn Tamales I made by special request for my Mom!

I decided to make a black bean puree to put in the shells with spicy pork chorizo and topped with Cotija cheese. What a great combination of crunch from the fillo baskets and creaminess from the black bean puree! They were a huge hit and gone before I could set the serving plate on the coffee table!

Ingredients (makes 15 baskets)

• 1 box 15 mini fillo baskets
• 1 can black beans (15 oz)
• 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
• 2 tsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 1 package pork chorizo (12 oz)
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese

Start by pre-heating the oven to 350° and line the fillo shells up on a baking sheet.

Next, drain the black beans and place in a food processor or blender to puree.

Then add the chopped garlic to the black beans and blend.

Next, add the avocado oil.

Then the seasonings and lime juice.

Blend until all ingredients are incorporated.

Next, begin cooking the chorizo in a small skillet over medium-high heat.

While the chorizo is cooking pour the black bean puree into the bottom of each fillo basket.

Fill half way with the puree, just be sure to save room for the meat and cheese, AKA: the happiness!

Now about that happiness, the chorizo should be cooked through at this point and ready to be placed on top of the black bean puree!

Thank you to Billy for being such a doll and snapping some shots of me in action!

Mmmm chorizo!  Now top with the cotija cheese!  This cheese is named after a town in Mexico and is a salty, crumbly cheese similar to feta.

Oh they’re pretty and so good!!! Transfer to a serving plate and just try to make it to the table before they’re all gone!

A little close-up action…

You can also top with cilantro for a little extra flavor and color!

♣ Vegetarian Option: Substitute soy-chorizo for pork chorizo, available at most grocery stores. 

♦ Gluten Free Option: Instead of fillo baskets, use Tostitos Scoops which are gluten-free.

♥ All pottery seen on the littleleopardbook can be purchased by visiting www.longaberger.com/muffetbond or e-mailing keepsakebl@sbcglobal.net.