Black Bean Brown Rice Fritters

The problem I have with so many pancakes is the empty carbs - I need some substance to grab onto, especially in the morning.  While chocolate chip pancakes are indeed delicious, I prefer those with whole grains and fruit.

Or consider even a savory mix for a hearty brunch.  Here I use brown rice and quinoa paired with black bean and green onions to make almost a burger of a fritter.  You can fry these on a non-stick griddle as you would pancakes, or in a smaller skillet in a shallow splash of very, very hot canola oil, for a nice crispy finish - my favorite.
Dry
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup coarse corn meal
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp black sesame seeds
2 tsp baking powder

Wet
2 eggs
1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 lb mozzarella or other favorite cheese, grated
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cooked brown rice or rice and quinoa mix
2 green onions, finely chopped

In separate bowls, mix together the dry ingredients and then the wet ingredients. Heat a large griddle with a few tablespoons canola oil. Now fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir only enough just to mix together. You will get a thick batter the consistency of a thin cooked oatmeal.

When the griddle is hot, spoon about a third of a cup portions of batter to form pancakes. Cook in batches.

Allow the first side to brown over medium-low heat, until you see bubbles coming up the middle of the patty. Flip when first side is brown and cook the other side for a few more minutes until just browned.

Serve fritters on salad, and with a topping of plain Greek yogurts and salsa verde, if you like.

Makes 12-14 fritters.

Cook's Note:  These can be used for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.  For brunch you might want to pair with eggs - that's what the French would do; they add an egg to everything, including pizza!  You could also serve with butter and maple syrup (my personal favorite).

Black Bean Brown Rice Fritters

flavored with butter and maple syrup

served with eggs, avocado and apple