Four LAYER DIP

+SF +GF

Hearty black beans, silky cashew cheese, savory guacamole and salsa are all layered and stacked, creating a prolific four-layer dip. —MR

SERVES 6 TO 8

BLACK BEAN LAYER

2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

2 (14-oz [397-g]) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

Salt, to taste

CASHEW CHEESE

1 cup (110 g) soaked cashews, unsalted

⅓ cup (78 ml) water

2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar

2 cloves garlic

2 tbsp (10 g) nutritional yeast

Salt, to taste

GUACAMOLE LAYER

3 avocados, peeled and pitted

Juice of ½ lime

Pinch of sea salt

Drizzle of olive oil

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

SALSA LAYER

1½ cups (240 g) roughly chopped cherry tomatoes

Pinch of sea salt

Drizzle of olive oil

Juice of ½ lime

¼ small onion, roughly chopped

FOR THE BLACK BEAN LAYER

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the garlic and olive oil. Once warmed, add the black beans and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Add a few splashes of water and salt, to taste. Set aside.

FOR THE CASHEW CHEESE

Start by soaking the cashews in a bowl of water for at least 4 hours—this helps to soften any nut. Now drain and rinse the cashews and pour them into a high-speed blender along with the rest of the ingredients. Blend well until it turns into a creamy, silky cheese!

FOR THE GUACAMOLE LAYER

Simply mash the avocados together, forming a creamy texture. Then squeeze in the juice of half a lime, a few pinches of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Add red pepper flakes if you would like a little heat!

FOR THE SALSA LAYER

In a small bowl, lightly smash some of the tomatoes to release the juices. Then sprinkle on a little salt, olive oil and lime juice. Toss in the onion and mix well.

ASSEMBLE

First layer the black beans, then add a few dollops of cashew cheese as the second layer, spread on the guacamole and finish off with a layer of fresh salsa.