October 18, 2013

rice corn cakes with spicy black beans

These rice corn cakes with spicy black beans are an oldie but a goodie. I originally posted this recipe in 2009 and it's a big hit whenever I make it. It's a great meatless option but you could serve it along side some grilled chicken or marinated carne asada too and I bet it would be great. So far, I haven't met anyone who doesn't like this meal. It's particularly delicious served up with a big green salad on the side.
1 cup brown rice*
6 scallions, trimmed and sliced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup frozen sweet white corn
1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1 cup medium salsa (doesn't have to be fancy - regular ol' Pace is great)
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
sour cream, for serving

Cook rice with the amount of water called for in the package directions, adding scallions, garlic and thyme to the water (OR if you're using already cooked rice, just mix all together in a large bowl). Remove from heat and stir in corn, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Let stand for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.

Whisk eggs in a large bowl until frothy. Add the rice mixture and mash lightly until the mixture holds together (it will be fairly soft), about 1 minute. Shape the mixture into 8 patties.

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully transfer 4 patties to the pan with a spatula and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; cover to keep warm. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel, add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and repeat with the remaining 4 patties.

Meanwhile, combine beans and salsa in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 5 minutes. To serve, divide the beans among 4 plates and top with 2 patties each. Garnish with sour cream and cilantro.

*To make this meal particularly easy and fast, you can use leftover cooked brown rice for this recipe. I like to buy the frozen cooked brown rice from Trader Joe's though. It's so convenient and delicious!

6 comments:

  1. This has been my family's favorite meal for several years! I was so surprised when I made it the first time, because I thought they would all turn their noses up. It's definitely a winner!

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  2. I made this tonight and it was so delish! I need help forming the patties and making them stick together! I'm a noob and they all fell apart.

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  3. I tried this and it was so delicious indeed. I wanna try it with RiCo corn rice as I heard it was good for diabetis and rich with vitamins B and calcium. I just hope that the delicious taste will remain. :)

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