Black Bean and Rice Cakes with Chipotle Crema

Finely chop 1/4 onion, 1/2 jalapeno, and 3 cloves of garlic. Saute the onion and jalapeno in a dollop of oil over medium for a few minutes or until the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook briefly, 30-60 seconds.

Drain and rinse a can of black beans. Add to the pan along with 2 minced chipotles in adodo, 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, freshly cracked pepper, and a splash of water. Cook for a couple minutes.

Add bean mixture to a mixing bowl and use a fork to smoosh the beans, leaving some of the beans intact.

Add 1 cup cooked rice to the mixture. I used 1 cup of our Arroz Rojo but even a simple, cooked white rice is adequate. Combine well and if you have time, chill this mixture.

Add 1/2 cup of cornmeal to a plate. Form golf ball sized rounds with the bean mixture and roll them in the cornmeal to coat. This batch made eight cakes.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to a wide skillet on medium heat Heat oil until shimmering and then add the cornmeal coated cakes. Saute them for 3-5 minutes per side or until the cornmeal turns golden brown. You can flatten them a bit in the skillet if you want to. Serve immediately after cooking.

To make the Chipotle Crema, add the following ingredients to a blender and combine well: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon cream or mayonnaise, 1 chipotle in adobo, 1 garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime.