Black Bean Chili & Plantain Fritters
These Black Bean Chili & Plantain Fritters combine sweet ripe plantains with hearty black beans, gentle spices, and fresh herbs. They’re crisp on the outside, soft inside, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect as an appetizer, lunch plate, or stuffed into wraps. Heat is optional, so you can keep them mild or spicy.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
Fritter Mixture
2 ripe plantains (yellow with black spots), peeled
1½ cups cooked black beans, rinsed & drained
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp oat flour or all-purpose flour
1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
For Cooking
Olive oil or avocado oil, for pan-frying
Instructions
1️⃣ Mash the Base
In a large bowl, mash the plantains with a fork until mostly smooth (a few small chunks are fine).
2️⃣ Add Black Beans
Lightly mash half the black beans, leaving the rest whole for texture. Add to the bowl.
3️⃣ Season & Bind
Add onion, herbs, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, pepper, flour, and egg.
Mix until a thick batter forms.
4️⃣ Shape Fritters
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and gently flatten into small patties.
5️⃣ Cook
Heat a thin layer of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Cook fritters 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
6️⃣ Drain & Serve
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm.
How to Serve
With Greek yogurt or sour cream
With avocado yogurt sauce
Inside wraps or tacos
Over a grain bowl with salad
Tips for Best Results
Use very ripe plantains for sweetness & binding
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Keep heat medium so fritters cook through
Chill mixture 10 minutes if too soft
Variations
Vegan: use flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2½ tbsp water)
Extra protein: add crumbled feta or cottage cheese
Oven-baked: bake at 200°C / 400°F for 18–20 min, flip halfway
Air-fryer: 190°C / 375°F for 12–14 min
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these spicy?
Only if you add chili 🌿 You can keep them completely mild.
Q: Can I make them ahead?
Yes! Store cooked fritters in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze cooked fritters up to 1 month.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~95 kcal
Protein: ~4 g
Carbohydrates: ~14 g
Fat: ~3 g
Fiber: ~3 g