Mexican Kidney Bean & Broccoli Fritters

These delightful Mexican-inspired fritters are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy kidney beans and broccoli. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, these fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with your favorite salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 cup kidney beans (canned or cooked)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- If using canned kidney beans, drain and rinse them. If using cooked beans, ensure they are cooled.
- In a large bowl, mash the kidney beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Finely chop the broccoli florets and add them to the bowl with the mashed beans.
- In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the water while stirring to form a thick batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter. If it's too thick, add a little more water; if too thin, add a bit more flour.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of the batter and drop it into the hot pan, pressing gently with a spatula to flatten it into a fritter shape. Repeat with the remaining batter, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Garnish the fritters with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve warm with lime wedges and your favorite salsa or guacamole on the side.
These Mexican Kidney Bean & Broccoli Fritters are a versatile and tasty addition to any meal. They're quick and easy to make, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a light main course!