If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that delivers bold flavors and vibrant color without hours in the kitchen, Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde is your answer. This recipe wraps hearty beans and tender greens in warm corn tortillas, then finishes everything with a zesty, creamy bright green sauce that steals the show. With layers of smoky, tangy, and herby notes in every bite, these tacos won’t just satisfy your craving for something fresh and filling—they’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite you’ll want to share with everyone.

Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde keep things delightfully simple, but every ingredient is there for a reason. The pantry staples bring classic comfort, while fresh produce and the herby sauce inject color and zing. Let’s look at what you’ll need and how each part plays its role!

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, it brings a subtle richness and helps the spices bloom.
Yellow onion (chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the taco filling; don’t skip this flavor base.
Garlic (minced): For that classic aromatic punch every good taco filling needs.
Canned pinto or black beans: Hearty, protein-packed, and super convenient—choose your favorite for the main filling.
Smoked paprika: Infuses the beans and greens mixture with a lush, campfire-like smokiness.
Cumin: Brings earthy warmth that rounds out the spice profile—essential for that taco vibe.
Chili powder: A subtle kick of heat that enhances the other spices without overpowering.
Kale or Swiss chard (chopped): Sturdy greens that wilt beautifully while keeping a little bite and loads of color.
Water: Just a splash to help the greens steam and get tender without sticking.
Salt and black pepper: Rounds out the flavors and lets you season to perfection.
Corn tortillas: Small and warm—these are the perfect sturdy, toasty base for your taco creations.
Fresh cilantro leaves (for Aji Verde): Provides that signature green color and garden-bright taste.
Jalapeño (for Aji Verde): Choose whether to keep or remove the seeds—either way, this adds pop and freshness.
Garlic clove (for Aji Verde): Raw garlic in the sauce = zingy, punchy layers of flavor.
Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative (for Aji Verde): Makes the sauce creamy and tangy, no heavy cream needed.
Mayonnaise or avocado (for Aji Verde): Extra lusciousness for that drizzly, dreamy texture.
Lime juice (for Aji Verde): The bright note that brings the sauce together and awakens all the veggies.
Olive oil (for Aji Verde): Smooths out the sauce and helps everything blend together.
Salt (for Aji Verde): Just enough to pull forward all the herby, tangy flavors in the sauce.

How to Make Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat; listen for that gentle sizzle when the oil is ready. Add the chopped onion and let it soften for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until translucent and fragrant. Add the garlic next, and cook for just a minute—enough to fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma, but not so long that the garlic turns brown.

Step 2: Spice and Simmer the Beans

With your onions and garlic ready, it’s time to invite the beans and spices to the party. Pour in the drained beans, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a dash of salt. Stir to coat everything evenly, then let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes. The beans soak up the spices, developing that signature depth of Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde.

Step 3: Wilt the Greens

Add your chopped kale or Swiss chard along with two tablespoons of water. Quickly cover the pan to trap steam—this will tenderize the greens while keeping their bright color and firmer texture. After 3–4 minutes, the greens should be wilted but still a little toothsome. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Blend the Aji Verde

While your beans and greens are doing their thing, it’s time for the sauce that makes Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde unforgettable. Combine cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise or avocado, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blitz until the sauce is completely smooth and vibrantly green. Adjust lime and salt to your taste—the sauce should wake up your tastebuds!

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Give your corn tortillas a quick warm-up to make them pliable and extra delicious. You can heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or microwave them covered in a damp towel for about 20 seconds. Warm tortillas make it easier to fill—and they hold all those bold fillings without breaking.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

The moment of taco joy! Spoon a generous portion of the smoky beans and wilted greens into each tortilla, then drizzle with the creamy Aji Verde. This is where Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde hit their flavor stride—creamy, zippy, and full of satisfying layers in every bite.

How to Serve Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde

Garnishes

Take your tacos to another level with the perfect finishing touches. Try topping with thinly sliced pickled red onions for tang and color, ripe avocado slices or cubes for creamy richness, or a scattering of cotija cheese for savory depth. These simple garnishes invite you to make Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde truly your own, every time.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with playful sides—crisp radish salad, warm yellow rice, or charred street corn all make wonderful companions. A simple bowl of chips and guacamole is always a hit too, making this dinner an easy entertaining favorite that impresses without stress.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to classic tacos! The smoky beans and greens mixture makes an amazing filling for burrito bowls, tostadas, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. For gatherings, arrange tortillas, fillings, Aji Verde, and plenty of garnishes buffet-style for your very own build-your-own Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bean and greens filling keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the Aji Verde separately, also tightly covered, to maintain its freshness and zing. Assembled tacos are best enjoyed fresh, so keep the elements separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

While the beans and greens filling can be frozen in a sealed container for up to two months, the Aji Verde is best made fresh or used within a few days—the herbs can lose some vibrancy when frozen. Defrost the beans mixture overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, gently reheat the beans and greens in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Warm your tortillas separately, then assemble your tacos with freshly drizzled Aji Verde for all the flavor and texture you loved the first time.

FAQs

Can I make Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde vegan?

Absolutely! Use a non-dairy yogurt and avocado instead of mayonnaise for the Aji Verde. The rest of the recipe is naturally plant-based and perfect for vegan eaters.

What other beans work well in this recipe?

While pinto and black beans are the go-to, feel free to substitute with cannellini or kidney beans for a slightly different texture and flavor. The spices and sauce will complement any hearty bean beautifully.

How spicy is the Aji Verde?

The heat level depends on whether you keep the jalapeño seeds. To keep it mild, remove them completely. If you love a kick, leave some seeds in or use two small jalapeños for extra punch.

Can I use spinach instead of kale or Swiss chard?

Yes—spinach wilts even faster, so add it at the very end and cook just until tender. Its mild flavor will make the smoky filling and zesty sauce stand out even more.

How far in advance can I make the Aji Verde?

The Aji Verde can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored airtight in the fridge. In fact, the flavors meld and deepen when the sauce has a little time to chill!

Final Thoughts

Ready to shake up taco night? Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde offer a joyful mix of bold flavors, nourishing ingredients, and easy prep. Grab a big handful of greens, your favorite beans, and that vibrant green sauce—you’re about to fall in love with a new staple. Give this recipe a try and let it become your go-to for quick weeknights and flavorful feasts alike!

Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos each) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde are a delicious vegetarian option bursting with flavor. The hearty combination of beans, greens, and a zesty Aji Verde sauce wrapped in warm corn tortillas makes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon chili powder
4 cups chopped kale or Swiss chard
2 tablespoons water
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas

Aji Verde:

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 small jalapeño, seeded if desired
1 small garlic clove
¼ cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or avocado
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Main Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add beans, spices, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Add greens and water, cover, and cook for 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Aji Verde: Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Spoon filling into tortillas, top with Aji Verde, and serve.