Makes about 4 cups.

INGREDIENTS

• 4bacon slices
• 1medium onion, chopped
• 1small red bell pepper, seeded, chopped
• 1/2teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2teaspoon dried oregano
• 215-ounce cans black beans, undrained
• 1teaspoon chopped seeded canned chipotle chilies*1/2cup sour cream
• 2tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Coarsely chop bacon. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings from skillet. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté until onion is soft, about 6 minutes. Add cumin and oregano; sauté 1 minute. Add beans with their liquid and chipotles. Simmer over medium-low heat until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.

Transfer 1 cup bean mixture to processor. Blend until smooth. Stir blended mixture into remaining bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill dip and bacon separately.)
Stir half of bacon into dip. Top with sour cream. Sprinkle with cilantro and remaining bacon. Serve dip chilled or at room temperature.

*Chipotle chilies canned in a spicy tomato sauce, sometimes called adobo, are available at Latin American markets, specialty foods stores and some supermarkets.

Tags: Bean, Black, Dip, Recipe, Smoky