A savory and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish featuring crispy black bean cakes topped with fried or poached eggs, creamy avocado, and fresh tomato. A flavorful, protein-rich meal that’s easy to prep ahead and customize.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Breakfast
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Southwestern
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small jalapeño or chili pepper, finely diced (optional)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 large egg (for binding)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs or gluten-free oat/chickpea flour
2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil (for frying)
4 eggs (for serving, fried or poached)
1 avocado, sliced or mashed
1 medium tomato, sliced or diced
Lime wedges, for serving
Fresh herbs or microgreens (optional)
Hot sauce or salsa (optional)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, mash most of the black beans with a fork or masher, leaving some whole for texture.
Stir in onion, garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
Add breadcrumbs and egg, and mix until combined. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, a splash of water or more beans.
Form mixture into 4–6 patties about 1/2-inch thick and place on a plate.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain briefly on paper towels if needed.
While patties cook, fry or poach eggs to desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, place each bean cake on a plate. Top with avocado and an egg. Add tomato slices, a squeeze of lime, and optional herbs or hot sauce.
Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
Mix and shape bean cakes ahead; store uncooked in the fridge for 1 day.
Reheat cooked cakes in a skillet to restore crispiness.
To make vegan, use a flax egg and skip the fried egg topping.
Bean cakes can be baked at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Freeze shaped, uncooked patties for quick future meals.