Crunchy Pinto Bean Patties with Creamy Avocado Spread
Elevate your veggie burger experience with these flavorful pinto bean patties, infused with the gooey goodness of Monterey Jack cheese and a hint of cumin. Topped with a creamy avocado spread that features zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro, these patties bring a vibrant twist to any mealtime. Serve them nestled in warm pita halves, garnished with microgreens and crispy red onions for added crunch and flavor. Although inspired by falafel, these patties have their unique identity and are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy this satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and be prepared for leftovers as these delightful patties may not stretch as far as you think!
4
Servings
150
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pinto beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Corn tortilla chips
1/4 cup (finely crushed)
Green onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Cilantro
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon
Egg white
1 large
Canola oil
1 1/2 teaspoons
Avocado
1/4 cup (mashed and peeled (about 1/2 of an avocado))
Tomatoes
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Red onion
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Nonfat sour cream
2 tablespoons
Fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, place the rinsed and drained pinto beans, and partially mash them with a fork until a chunky texture remains.
2
Add Monterey Jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, green onions, cilantro, ground cumin, and the egg white to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
3
Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties, about 1/2-inch thick each.
4
Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
5
While the patties are cooking, prepare the avocado spread by combining the mashed avocado, tomatoes, red onion, nonfat sour cream, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
6
To serve, carefully place one patty inside each halved pita. Generously spread about 2 tablespoons of the creamy avocado spread on top of the patties, and finish with slices of red onion and a handful of microgreens.
Nutrition Information
6.25
Fat
20
Carbs
5
Protein
3.75
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Pinto Bean Patties?
They are a flavorful vegetarian alternative to beef burgers, made with mashed pinto beans, Monterey Jack cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for texture.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of pinto beans that have been rinsed and drained.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, these patties are completely meatless and suitable for vegetarians.
How many calories are in each serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
What makes these patties crunchy?
Finely crushed corn tortilla chips are mixed into the patty dough to provide a unique crunch.
What kind of cheese is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a gooey, savory flavor.
How should I prepare the pinto beans?
You should rinse and drain the beans, then partially mash them with a fork until they reach a chunky texture.
What ingredients are in the avocado spread?
The spread is made from mashed avocado, finely chopped tomatoes, red onion, nonfat sour cream, lime juice, and salt.
How many patties does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 oval-shaped patties.
How long do the patties need to cook?
The patties should be cooked in a skillet for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Can I substitute pinto beans with another bean?
While pinto beans are standard for this recipe, you could try using black beans or kidney beans as a substitute.
What is the total number of servings for this recipe?
The recipe yields a total of 4 servings.
How much protein is in a single serving?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
What spice is used to season the patties?
Ground cumin is used to give the patties a warm, earthy flavor.
How are the bean patties traditionally served?
They are typically served inside halved pita bread and topped with the creamy avocado spread.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe recommends using 1.5 teaspoons of canola oil in a nonstick skillet.
Can I use full-fat sour cream instead of nonfat?
Yes, you can substitute nonfat sour cream with regular or low-fat sour cream based on your preference.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
The recipe suggests garnishing with slices of red onion and a handful of microgreens for extra flavor and crunch.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, with 150 calories and 3.75 grams of fiber, it is a healthy and nutritious meal option.
How much fiber does one serving contain?
There are 3.75 grams of fiber in each serving.
What acts as the binder for the patties?
One large egg white is used to bind the bean mixture together so the patties hold their shape.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure your tortilla chips are certified gluten-free and serve the patties in a gluten-free wrap or bun instead of pita.
What texture should the bean mixture have before cooking?
The beans should be partially mashed so that a chunky texture remains rather than being a smooth puree.
What provides the acidity in the avocado spread?
Fresh lime juice is used to add a zesty, acidic kick to the creamy avocado spread.
Can I use white onion instead of red onion?
Yes, white or yellow onion can be used, though red onion is preferred for its color and mild sharpness.
What are some alternatives to pita bread?
You can serve the patties on hamburger buns, in whole-wheat wraps, or even over a fresh garden salad.
How thick should the patties be shaped?
Each patty should be shaped to be approximately 1/2-inch thick.
What is the inspiration behind these patties?
While they have a unique Mexican-inspired profile, the recipe takes inspiration from traditional falafel.
Can I bake these patties instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, though they may be less crispy.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6.25 grams of fat.