Black bean fritters

Lent is here and Fridays we avoid eating meat products. I thought of a bean fritters for dinner. I'm so glad they turned out so good and filling. Definitely will be doing these tasty treats again. 

Ingredients

2 cups of soaked beans or 1 16 oz can

2 green scallions chopped (both white & green parts)

1/2 c red peppers

1/2 c green peppers

2 1/2 tbsp of Sofrito

1/4 tsp garlic salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

1 small onion diced

2 large garlic cloves grated 

3 tbsp bitter orange

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 c fresh cilantro chopped

1 tsp goji berry powder 

1/2 to a cup of gram flour ( keep at hand extra)

1 tbsp of chopped jalapeño pepper *optional 

Citrus Garnish

1/2 c cherry tomatoes halved

1/2 c onion chopped

1/2 c flat Italian parsley chopped

Juice of a lime

Instructions

Soak beans overnight. Rinse them. In a medium cook them in chicken stalk or 3 to 4 c of water for about 45 minutes or till tender. 

If you are using can beans you can skip the instruction just above. 

In food processor add beans, oil, Sofrito, bitter orange, goji berry powder, black pepper and salt. 

Transfer to a bowl and add red & green peppers, cilantro, garlic & scallions. Stir with spoon to mix well.Test taste for balance. Be advise that this mix is delicious alone and excellent served as a dip with tortilla chips. 

But today we are frying them in pure olive oil. 

As you can see my mix was a bit wet so I added a bit more gram flour. 

Now I was able to handle the mix better. 

Meanwhile, heat your skillet to medium/high. Add olive oil. Then begin to shape your fritters.

Flour your palms with gram flour. Scoop a spoonful of the bean mix on to your hands then carefully lay them into the hot oil. Do not disturb them. Let cook tilll golden brown on each side for about 3-5 minutes. Then careful flip on to the other side and do the same. 

Don't over crowd your skillet so you have enough space when you turn them over as well as you don't want to cool your oil too much. You want your fritter to be crunchy on the outside. 

In a small bowl add tomatoes, onions, lime juice and parsley. Mix. 

Drizzle some of the citrus garnish mix over the hot fritter. 

Delicious!

Great as an appetizer or as a side dish. 

Fried or not this bean mix is yummy. 

Bon Apetit!