Locations:
Search IconSearch
September 24, 2020/Diet, Food & Fitness/Recipes

Recipe: Spicy Black Bean Cakes and Salsa

Fiber-rich, flavor-rich and easy to make

black bean burger and salsa

Beans are good for your heart and your gut, with fiber that can help keep you trim. Try these bean cakes with salsa and serve with a side of cooked vegetables to round out the plate.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Ingredients

2 tablespoons water
1 cup chopped sweet onion
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
4 cups cooked black beans (rinse and drain if using canned beans)
¼ teaspoon salt (eliminate if using canned beans)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups cooked sweet potato, peeled and mashed
½ cup egg whites (or egg substitutes)
¾ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
Non-stick cooking spray

*Note: For a simple salsa, you can use chopped tomato, onion, green pepper and cilantro and toss in a dressing of olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice and salt.

Directions

  1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, bring water to a boil. Steam onions and garlic until onions are soft about 3 minutes.
  2. Place cooked onions and garlic in a large bowl. Add in cumin, pepper flakes and 2 cups of the beans. Mash the beans with a fork.
  3. Add in 1 cup of beans, salt, pepper, mashed sweet potato, egg whites and bread crumbs. Mix together and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat over to 425 degrees. Divide mixture into 8 servings. Shape each serving into a patty shape. Place patties on a baking sheet sprayed with a non-stick spray.
  5. Bake bean cakes in oven for 12-15 minutes until brown and heated through.
  6. While bean cakes are baking, heat remaining 1 cup of beans in microwave for 3 minutes until hot.
  7. Serve beans over bean cakes and serve.

Advertisement

Nutrition information

Makes 8 servings. Each servings is 1 black bean cake.

Calories: 220
Total fat: 1.5g
Saturated fat: 0g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium:210 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Fiber: 11g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 12g

Recipe courtesy of Digestive Disease Health Team Dietitians

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Mexican aparagus dip with diced tomatoes in a small bowl
January 14, 2025/Recipes
Recipe: Low-Cal Mexican Asparagus Dip

An inviting avocado-free guacamole swap

Bowl of cooked black beans on plate on cutting board
January 3, 2025/Nutrition
4 Impressive Benefits of Black Beans

Black beans are bursting with nutrients that help reduce cancer risk, improve heart health, aid digestion and fight inflammation

Variety of soy products like soy milk, soy beans, textured soy and tofu
December 26, 2024/Nutrition
Is Soy Good for You … or Not?

Soy has gotten a bad rap throughout the years, but many of the concerns have been proven to be untrue

A bright orange ceramic pot full of white bean stew with rosemary and spinach, with spoons and crock lid on table
December 5, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: White Bean Stew With Rosemary and Spinach

This hearty soup is full of nutrients and ready in 30 minutes

Crock of creole black beans and tomatoes
November 12, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Creole Black Beans With Tomatoes

A versatile, easy and satisfying main dish

Tomatoes stuffed with poblano peppers and avocado on cutting board, with line and pumpkin seeds scattered
October 24, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Stuffed Tomatoes With Poblano and Avocado

Fresh tomatoes with avocado make a great snack

Motar of mediterranean guacamole, with motar of corn chips nearby
October 3, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Guacamole Goes Mediterranean

Mix up your favorite guac by adding feta, rice vinegar and oregano!

Small bowl of salsa, with chips, peppers, lime and garlic around bowl
August 22, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Red and Green Pepper Salsa

A colorful combo of veggies that complements more than just chips!

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad