Recipe: Southwestern Bean Patties (using refried beans and bread crumbs)

SOUTHWESTERN BEAN PATTIES

1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
5 teaspoons canola oil
1 (16-ounce) can fat-free refried beans
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup cornmeal
TO SERVE:
6 hamburger buns, split
1/2 cup guacamole
1/2 cup salsa

In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion, red pepper and garlic in 1 1/2 teaspoons oil until tender.

In a bowl, combine refried beans, bread crumbs, chiles, cilantro, cumin, pepper and onion mixture; mix well. Shape into 6 patties; coat with cornmeal.

In the same skillet, cook patties in batches in remaining oil over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.

TO SERVE:
Place patties on bun bottoms (save bun tops for another use). Top each with 4 teaspoons guacamole and 4 teaspoons salsa.

Makes 6 servings
Source: Light and Tasty, July 2006
Recipe shared by Debby Chiorino, Oxnard, Calif.