Black Bean Balls with Papaya Salsa

Prep 30 mins

Cooking 30 mins

Serves 4

Did you make a new year’s resolution to eat healthier? Well you are in luck, we have just the thing for you. A plant based recipe filled with tons of nutrients, vitamins and of cause flavour. We know that the building blocks to a tasty and flavoursome meal are herbs and spices. That’s why any meal, even a healthy one can go from bland to fab with a few shakes of our spices and herbs. If you don’t believe us give this recipe a try and tell us what you think.  

What you will need

  • FOR THE BLACK BEAN BALLS
  • 1 flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 Tbsp water)
  • ½ onion, chopped finely
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp oil canola plus extra for frying
  • 2X400g tin of black beans
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • FOR THE SALSA
  • 1tsp Natural Herbs and Spices Paprika
  • ¼ large cucumber, finely chopped
  • 1tsp Natural Herbs and Spices Cayenne Pepper
  • ¼ large red onion, finely chopped
  • 1tsp Natural Herbs and Spices fresh Thyme
  • 2 Tbsp coriander, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp tomato sauce
  • 2 small chilies, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 1 small papaya, peeled, deseeded and chopped into small cubes
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs
  • 1 lemon
  • Natural Herbs and Spices Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • Natural Herbs and Spices Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Method

Let’s start off by making the flax egg. In a small bowl mix together ground flaxseeds and warm water. Set the mixture aside to be used later. Now, in a small pan, fry the onion and garlic with oil until soft and translucent then set this mixture aside to cool.

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl mash beans with a masher or a hand blender to your desired consistencies. To the mashed beans add in rice, Natural Herbs and Spices Paprika, Cayenne Pepper and Thyme. Sprinkle in the flour and bread crumbs. Season well with Natural Herbs and Spices Sea Salt and Black Pepper. Finally add in flax egg and onion mixture. Give the mixture a good mix, we suggest using your hands to do this.  

Scoop out a tablespoonful of the mixture and roll into balls. Place the balls on a plate lined with plastic wrap.  Place the balls in the freezer for an hour to firm up.

Time to make the sweet and spicy salsa. In a medium mixing bowl mix together cucumber, onion, coriander, chilies and papaya. Squeeze in the juice of the lemon and generously season with Natural Herbs and Spices Sea Salt and Black Pepper.  Stir to combine and place in the fridge for the flavours to mingle.

Now let’s get started on frying the bean balls. In a non-stick pan drizzle in oil, heat the oil and place in bean balls. Make sure that there is enough room to turn them over. Fry the balls over a medium heat until a golden brown crust starts to form. Then gently turn them over with a spoon or tongs. Keep doing this until a crust has formed all over. Remove the balls from the oil and place on paper towel to drain any excess oil. Please don’t be tempted to turn them too soon, because the balls will stick.

Serve the bean balls with the papaya salsa and enjoy!

 

 

Recipe by food stylist and blogger of everything wholesome & tasty, Yena Mgobhozi: https://www.yourkitchen-newgym.com