CHOPPED MEXICAN SALAD WITH ROASTED PEPPERS, CORN, TOMATOES & AVOCADO

CHOPPED MEXICAN SALAD WITH ROASTED PEPPERS, CORN, TOMATOES & AVOCADO image

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

For the peppers and corn:
2 large orange or red bell peppers
2 ears fresh corn
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the honey-lime-cumin vinaigrette:
1 small clove gatlic
kosher salt
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon honey, more to taste
3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and finely ground
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
To assemble:
2 large firm-ripe tomatoes, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/4 inch dice (about 1 3/4 cups)
1 small jicama, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch dice (about 2 cups)
2 large firm-ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and cut into 1/4 inch dice (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups home cooked black beans)
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees Roast the peppers and corn: Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a heavy duty rimmed baking sheet with foil. Cut the peppers in half lenghtwise and remove the stem, seed core and ribs. Put the pepper halves on the baking sheet cut side down. Husk the corn and put the ears on the baking sheet. Drizzle the oil over the peppers and corn and rub it around to coat the pepper skins and corn kernels evenly. Sprinkle the corn with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until the peppers are soft and slightly shriveled and browned and the corn kernels are lightly browned in a few spots, about 20 minutes ( rotate the corn occasionally as it roasts). When the vegetables are done, let them rest until cool enough to handle. Scrape away the pepper skin and cut the flesh into 1/2 inch dice. Cut the corn kernels from the cob. You should have about 1 1/2 cups kernels. Make the vinaigrette: Mince and mash the garlic to a paste with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. In a medium bowl, whisk the garlic paste with the lime and orange juices, shallot, honey, and toasted ground cumin. Slowly add the oil in a thin stream, whisking until well blended. Season to taste with black pepper and more salt and honey if you like.