I have a big box that is filled with recipes I have pulled from magazines over the years. Every once in a while I like to dig through it to find new recipes to try or rediscover some that are long lost. Over the weekend I came across a recipe for Black Bean Cakes with Salsa from the Better Homes and Gardens April 2009 issue. I cannot believe I hadn’t tried this recipe before now. Better late than not at all…
It’s been raining here all day. I was so thrilled when a little bit of sunshine shone through into my dining room, so I could snap a pic of today’s lunch for you. Still, I am not terribly pleased with how these pictures turned out. This meal was so delicious. I don’t think they really do it justice. You’ll just have to take my word for how good they are.
Black Bean Cakes with Salsa
Ingredients:
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1 jalapeno pepper
2 15-oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 8.5-oz. package corn muffin mix (I used Jiffy.)
1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 Tbsp. olive oil
additional salsa, for serving
sour cream, optional
Directions:
In a colander drain 1/2 cup of the prepared salsa. Seed and finely chop half of the jalapeno, thinly slice the remaining half. In a large bowl mash beans with a vegetable masher or fork. Stir in muffin mix, drained salsa, 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder, and chopped jalapeno.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add four 1/2 cup mounds bean mixture to skillet. Flatten mounds with spatula to 3 1/2 inch-round cakes. Cook 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining oil and bean mixture.
Optionally, top with additional salsa, sliced jalapeno, and sour cream. Enjoy!
My grocery store sells a fantastic fresh salsa in the product department. I hardly ever make my own salsa since discovering it. Feel free to make your own fresh salsa for this recipe, especially if your garden is overflowing with tomatoes this summer.
I slightly altered the BH&G Magazine recipe to add a little more zest.
If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy these Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats and Cheeseburger Soup recipes.
What are some of your favorite vegetarian recipes?

Black Bean Cakes with Salsa
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup prepared salsa
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 2 15- oz. cans black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 8.5- oz. package corn muffin mix I used Jiffy.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- additional salsa for serving
- sour cream optional
Instructions
- In a colander drain 1/2 cup of the prepared salsa. Seed and finely chop half of the jalapeno, thinly slice the remaining half. In a large bowl mash beans with a vegetable masher or fork. Stir in muffin mix, drained salsa, 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder, and chopped jalapeno.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add four 1/2 cup mounds bean mixture to skillet. Flatten mounds with spatula to 3 1/2 inch-round cakes. Cook 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining oil and bean mixture.
- Optionally, top with additional salsa, sliced jalapeno, and sour cream. Enjoy!
This looks amazing! I love black beans and anything Mexican inspired.
Oh my goodness that looks awesome! I’m going to use this recipe for our Meatless Mondays!
Ohhh thanks. I have been looking for a new black bean ‘burger’ type recipe. I wonder if I could swap out the Jiffy mix for regular cornmeal that I use to make homemade cornbread. As for the pics, I have those days. I live in Michigan. Definitely not hope to the never-ending natural light. LOL
I can’t wait to try these black bean cakes with salsa. I think they will be delicious for tomorrow night’s meal – or maybe even lunch! I’m headed over to look at the taco stuffed zucchini boats right now. We harvest a lot of zucchini over the summer.
These look so delicious i cant wait to try them. I will have to make them this weekend. I am sure my family will love them.
Oh those look good! Not sure I can do the jalapeño option, but will have to try them without. yummy!
Mmm, this looks pretty yummy. I love black beans, so this is perfect.
I haven’t heard of black bean cakes. Glad the sun peeked out for you to get the pic.
I do like black beans. I think these would be great to serve on the weekend.
I’ve never tried making anhything out of black beans! I’m a huge fan of this kind of cuisine, will have to try