| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 16g | 3g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 15g | 18g | 0.3g |
There’s an inexplicable joy in sharing a recipe that holds a special place in your heart. That’s what these Velvet Bean Patties mean to me. Reminiscent of Texas-style comfort food, reimagined in a unique, health-conscious way, their texture, flavor profile, and nutrient density make them something truly special.
A Healthful Twist to Homespun Goodness
These Velvet Bean Patties showcase a delightful fusion of my Tex-Mex culinary roots and my constant pursuit of incorporating nutritional vibrance in classic recipes. Loaded with velvet beans soaked to perfection, the patties are a great protein-rich, fibre-packed alternative to traditional meatballs or veggie patties. Not just that, the addition of banana and fruits lends a sweetness that complements the savory beans, not to mention adding a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals.
Moreover, the recipe steps away from traditional refined sugar and welcomes the natural, subtle sweetness of brown sugar. The vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg all tie in together to create a beautifully warming and fragifting spice profile – a fond nod to Southern kitchens.
Accompaniment Possibilities and Similar Dishes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Serve them up as an appetizer, pair them with a fresh salad, or simply stir them into a spicy Tex-Mex style chili – the possibilities are endless!
These Velvet Bean Patties can be seen as kin to Make-ahead Bean and Cheese Burgers, a beloved Texan classic (source). They carry the same heartiness but with a unique blend of natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients.
For the health-conscious folks, this recipe is a godsend. But we’ve also designed it with taste and tradition in mind – a balance that’s tricky to get, but one we believe has been achieved wonderfully in these one-of-a-kind patties. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of velvet beans, soaked overnight
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup of mixed fruits (strawberries, blueberries, and peaches), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of plain flour
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Method
Step One
Start by soaking the velvet beans overnight until they become tender. You can accelerate this process by boiling the beans for a couple of hours.
Step Two
Drain the beans and place them into a food processor. Add the mashed banana, mixed fruits, breadcrumbs, plain flour, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse until you get a well blended mixture.
Step Three
Add the eggs to the mixture and pulse again to thoroughly combine. The mixture should have a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a little bit of water; if it’s too wet, add a bit more flour.
Step Four
Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into patties. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should be able to make about 8-10 patties, depending on the size.
Step Five
Heat up the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the patties and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. You might have to work in batches depending on the size of your pan.
Step Six
Once the patties are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these delicious and nutritious Velvet Bean Patties!
