Southwestern Smothered Fries

What is it about watching sporting events on tv that makes you crave food covered in cheese and sour cream? For Sunday's race I dug out a recipe that I had ripped out of an All You magazine last summer. It's called Southwestern Smothered Fries and it is delicious. And so much easier than fixing potato skins, too. Plus, the health benefits from the black beans completely cancel out the fat and calories from the cheese and sour cream. Yep, that's right.


1 (24 oz) bag frozen steak fries
1 tsp vegetable oil (I used canola)
1 tsp chopped garlic (I used minced)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 (15 oz) can black beans
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican style cheese blend
sour cream
salsa
green onions


Bake fries according to pkg directions. In a saucepan, warm oil over medium heat. Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder and "cook" for 30 seconds. Add beans with their liquid. Simmer until liquid is thickened and reduced by about half.


Transfer baked fries to a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with beans and cheese. Return to oven and bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.


Top smothered fries with salsa, sour cream, and green onions.