Mexican Flag Bean Dip to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo means the 5th of May in spanish. It is a national holiday in Mexico. Some people assume that like our 4th of July, it is Mexico’s Independence day. However, it is really a celebration of the Mexican Army’s victory over French invading forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations are also held throughout the United States. Many cities such as San Diego, California, Denver, Colorado and Portland, Oregan hold huge annual Cinco de Mayo festivals every year. Just as many people who are not Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and people who are not German celebrate Oktoberfest, many people who are not of Mexican descent join in the Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Here is a recipe for a Mexican layered bean dip that resembles the flag of Mexico. The colors of the Mexican flag are green, white and red. In the middle is the national coat of arms. With this recipe the guacamole represents the green, sour cream the white, and salsa is the red. Let you kids help make this for your next Mexican fiesta.

Ingredients

1 (15 oz.) can refried beans

1 small can diced green chiles

1 cup sour cream

1 1/4 package taco seasoning

1 jar of red salsa

1 Guacamole (see recipe below)

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

For garnishing the center – cheese, onions, black olives, salsa, shredded lettuce, etc.

Directions

In a bowl mix together the refried beans, taco seasoning and diced green chiles. You can also use a can of refried beans that already have the green chiles in them. Spread the bean mixture in a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Spread the guacamole on the left third of the casserole dish. On the middle third, spread the sour cream. On the right third spread the salsa. Place the cheddar cheese around the the perimeter of the dish to simulate fringe. In the center of the sour cream section add the garnishes of your choice in a circle. Chill until ready so serve. Serve with tortilla chips.

Guacamole

2 avocados

2 tbs fresh lime juice

1/2 tsp minced garlic

3 plum tomatoes, diced (optional)

1 to 2 tbs chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Salt to taste

Directions

Remove the skin and pits from the avocados. Mash in a bowl with the remaining ingredients. Make the mixture as smooth or as chunky as you like it. Spread on the refried bean mixture to cover the left third.

To learn more about Cinco de Mayo visit our Squidoo lens at http://www.squidoo.com/celebrate-cinco-de mayo

Your comments or requests for recipes are always welcome. For more recipes, cooking videos and entertaining tips, visit our websites at www.everydaycooking.recipecircle.com and www.mexican.recipecircle.com.