Black bean dip, improved: It's smoky and warm

The average black bean dip is a reliably good snack option. Full of plant protein and savory spices, it is healthfully satisfying but rarely memorable. However, this is not your average black bean dip.

While the accompanying recipe still qualifies as healthful, it is full of flavor and appeal. A key difference is that this dip is served warm, which immediately puts it in the comfort-food zone, and it is rustically presented in the skillet with an eye-catching cover of melted Monterey Jack cheese.

The flavor is ratcheted up with the smoky spice of a chipotle chile in adobo, as well as earthy cumin and coriander. (A little chipotle goes a long way, so I recommend dividing up what's left in the can into small, sealable plastic bags and freezing for future use.) Half the beans are pureed with sauteed onion and garlic, the chile and spices and a bright punch of lime juice until smooth, then that creamy base is returned to the skillet with whole beans and cilantro for added texture and flecks of color.

Served with contrastingly cool, crunchy vegetables and/or tortilla chips, it's like a magnet as an appetizer at a party, but it also makes for a playful and nutritious meal in larger portions. Either way, it's a dish you'll be thinking dreamily about way after the last bite has been scooped up.

• Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and author who hosts public television's “Ellie's Real Good Food.” She blogs and offers a weekly newsletter at www.elliekrieger.com.

Warm Chipotle Black Bean Dip

The flavor and comfort-food appeal of this dip is ratcheted up by smoky spicy chipotle and the way it is served warm.

Served with cool, crunchy celery sticks, sliced jicama, radishes and/or tortilla chips. it's like a magnet as an appetizer at a party, but it also makes for a playful and nutritious meal in larger portions.

Make ahead: The dip may be assembled in the skillet and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking; add a few extra minutes of oven time if you are baking from chilled.

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ medium onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon ground coriander

One 15-ounce can no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon plus 1½ teaspoons fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)

1 canned chipotle in adobo, seeded and minced, plus 2 teaspoons of the adobo

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus more leaves for garnish

1/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1½ ounces)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a small, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic, cumin and coriander; cook for 30 seconds more, then remove from the heat to cool slightly.

Combine half the beans, the water, lime juice, chipotle pepper and its sauce, salt, the onion mixture and the remaining tablespoon of oil in a food processor; puree until smooth.

Wipe out the skillet you used to cook the onion, then transfer the bean mixture to the pan. Stir in the remaining beans and the chopped cilantro. Top with the cheese and place in the oven until the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.

Garnish with the cilantro leaves, and let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 6 (makes 1½ cups)

Nutrition | Per serving: 130 calories, 6 g protein, 11 g carbohydrates, 7 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 240 mg sodium, 4 g dietary fiber, 0 g sugar

From nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger