CHIP Tip No. 31: Cinco de Mayo Celebration
from CHIP Clinical Manager Amy Lister, R.D.

The fifth of May (cinco de Mayo) is a Mexican celebration marking the Mexican victory over French invaders in 1862.

Cinco de Mayo has become a popular celebration in the United States, with parades and celebrations in communities across the country. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture, traditions, music and food.

Typical Mexican food is quite diverse and varies by region, due to differences in climate and geography. Typical ingredients include corn tortillas, rice, beans, colorful vegetables and chile peppers. But guess which of these is served in just about every region and with just about every dish? That’s right—frijoles (beans)! Beans add important nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium and iron, to the Mexican diet and can do the same for our own.

Next Friday, serve up your favorite bean dish (or try the recipe below) to celebrate this Mexican holiday. Don’t forget to break out the sombreros, hang a piñata or a Mexican Flag, and play your favorite Latin or Mariachi music. It will make your frijoles a whole lot more festive. Ole!

Pinto Bean Party Dip

One 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained
1 small onion
1 tablespoon garlic
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds

* Place all ingredients except pumpkin seeds in a food processor and blend until smooth.
* Spoon into a shallow serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
* Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds and dust with additional chili powder.
* Serve with fresh cut vegetables; consider celery, jicama (a root vegetable often called a Mexican potato), and red bell pepper to symbolize the colors of the Mexican Flag.

Makes 6 servings

Nutrition information per serving: 80 calories, .5 gm fat, 0 cholesterol, 4 gm fiber, 4 gm protein, 15 mg sodium