Black Bean Hummus with Smoked Oysters and Sour Cream

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 1 can (16 ounces) black beans, drained
2. 3 cloves garlic, peeled
3. 1/3 cup oil, half vegetable oil and half olive or walnut oil
4. 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
5. 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
7. 2 tablespoons cilantro, coarsely chopped
8. 1 cup sour cream
9. 1 can (3 3/4 ounces) smoked oysters (about 14 oysters)
10. Whole cilantro leaves, for garnish
11. Toast triangles or melba toasts

1. Put the beans in the bowl of a food processor with the garlic. Process until the garlic is finely chopped and the mixture is smooth. Add the oil, vinegar, Tabasco and salt, and process for 5 to 10 seconds to blend. Transfer to a serving bowl and stir in the chopped cilantro. Cover and refrigerate.
2. At serving time, spoon about 1/3 cup of the hummus into the center of each of 6 plates and spread it out. Mound a generous spoonful of sour cream in the center of the hummus on each plate and top with 2 or 3 oysters. Sprinkle with the cilantro leaves. Serve the toasts alongside.