Black Bean Chipotle Cakes

In my recap of the Tinker Bell Meet Up I mentioned that we tried some YUMMY food. The chefs at Disney were kind enough to send over the recipe for the treat they shared with us (and EXTRA bonus points because it is vegetarian friendly). For the version they made us, since it was still breakfast time, they put a poached egg on the top (although I noticed in the recipe they left that portion off).

Black Bean Chipotle Cakes

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Serves 4

Black bean chipotle cakes

2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, drained well

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (optional)

2/3 cup dry bread crumbs

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon minced canned chipotles in adobo, plus 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from can

1 1/2 teaspoons lime zest

1 teaspoon salt 

1 teaspoon cumin

Cornmeal for dredging

Vegetable oil for frying

Tomato-cilantro salsa

1/2 pound plum tomatoes, seeded and finely diced

1 small red onion, finely diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 lime, zested and juiced

3/4 cup olive oil

For black bean chipotle cakes:

1. Combine the black beans, garlic, egg, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), bread crumbs, cilantro, chipotles, lime zest, salt, and cumin in a large bowl. Lightly mash the mixture with a potato masher, leaving about half of the beans whole. Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes.
2. Form mixture into 8 (3-inch-wide) patties, using a circular mold if desired. Place the cornmeal in a shallow bowl; carefully dredge the patties in cornmeal, pressing lightly to adhere. 
3. Pour oil to 1/4 inch in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, panfry the patties until crisp on the outside and heated through, about 3 minutes per side. 

For tomato-cilantro salsa:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and oil. Stir to combine.

To serve:

1. Place two black bean cakes on each of four plates. Top with salsa.

Photo Credit: runDisney
FRONT ROW SEAT to watch the chefs at work.