Recipe: Spicy Black Bean Cakes with Cilantro Crema
Description: 🌶️ Dive into the flavors of these Spicy Black Bean Cakes with a refreshing twist of Cilantro Crema. They’re perfect for a quick meal, packed with protein and fiber, and bursting with Southwestern-inspired spices. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a hearty dish or simply craving a flavor-packed meal, these bean cakes are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black beans | 4 cans |
| Yellow onion | 1 |
| Cilantro | 1 bunch |
| Cumin | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Buttermilk | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 |
For Cilantro Crema:
- Sour cream: 2 cups
- Buttermilk: 1/2 cup
- Cilantro: 1 bunch
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 202.5
- Fat: 10.2g
- Saturated Fat: 6.2g
- Cholesterol: 20.7mg
- Sodium: 41.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.7g
- Fiber: 6.4g
- Sugar: 1.4g
- Protein: 8.2g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bean Cakes:
- Begin by draining and rinsing the black beans thoroughly.
- Finely chop the yellow onion and cilantro.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, sour cream, buttermilk, and lemon juice.
- Use your hands to partially mash the black beans while mixing all the ingredients together. This helps bind the mixture and infuse flavors.
-
Shape the Patties:
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into patties about 2 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. An ice cream scoop works well for measuring out the perfect-sized patties.
-
Cook the Bean Cakes:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
- Fry the bean cakes for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exterior should be crispy while the interior remains moist and flavorful.
-
Prepare the Cilantro Crema:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the sour cream, buttermilk, cilantro, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the crema to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld together and the crema to thicken slightly.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the bean cakes are cooked, serve them immediately with a generous scoop of Avocado Salsa if desired, and a drizzle of the prepared Cilantro Crema.
- Garnish with additional cilantro leaves for a fresh and vibrant touch.
-
Storage Tip:
- Any leftover bean cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a pan or in the oven until warmed through before serving.
These Spicy Black Bean Cakes with Cilantro Crema are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a festive gathering with friends, or as a flavorful addition to your next taco night. With their bold flavors and satisfying texture, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy! 🍽️
