Ingredients

The following ingredients have 10 Servings
  • 20 ounces dried pinto beans ((recommend: Hurst’s HamBeens® Pinto Beans with Ham Flavor))
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups cooked pinto beans (cooled and well drained)
  • ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup finely diced yellow bell pepper
  • ¼ cup diced green onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg (lightly beaten)
  • ½ cup peanut oil (for frying) (, use more or less as needed)
  • 20 teaspoons sour cream
  • 20 teaspoons salsa
  • 20 teaspoons grated sharp cheddar cheese

Instruction

  • Set aside the ham seasoning packet included with the beans for use later. Rinse the dry beans under cool water to remove any debris. Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water at least two inches above the height of the beans. Bring to a rapid boil. Remove from heat and let stand for one hour.
  • After one hour, add the onion and black pepper to the beans in the pot, return to the stove, and continue cooking in the same water for an additional hour. Add additional water during the cooking time only if needed. Cook until beans are tender. Near the end of the cooking time, add the ham seasoning packet and salt. Let the beans cool to room temperature or refrigerate overnight before continuing with the recipe.
  • Place the cooled, drained beans in a large mixing bowl. Mash the beans thoroughly using a potato masher, fork, or in a blender or food processor.
  • Add the red and yellow bell pepper, green onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper, flour, and egg. Stir together until thoroughly combined. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while you heat the oil.
  • Place about 3 tablespoons of peanut oil in a non-stick skillet and heat the oil over medium-high heat. Drop the bean mixture by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil. Press gently to slightly flatten the bean cake. Fry for 3-4 minutes on the first side or until golden brown. Do not try to turn the bean cake until the first side is very nicely golden brown. Flip the cakes over and fry the second side for about 3 more minutes or until browned.
  • Remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Repeat until all the bean mixture is used. Add additional oil if needed.
  • Top the cakes with a small dollop of sour cream, a tiny bit of salsa, and a bit of grated cheddar cheese and cilantro.