These tahini black beans fritters are crunchy on the outside, creamy and nutty inside, and ready in under 30 minutes. They make a great snack, light lunch, or party appetizer. The tahini adds a deep sesame flavor and keeps the fritters moist, while cumin and garlic give a warm, savory note. Serve them hot for the best contrast of textures and aroma.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 4 (about 8 small fritters)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: ~380 kcal
- Protein: ~12 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fat: ~25 g
- Fiber: ~7 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~325 mg
(Values are approximate and based on the listed ingredients divided into 4 servings. Actual values vary with brands and oil absorbed during frying.)
Why Make This Tahini Black Beans Fritters
These fritters are simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. They combine the earthy richness of black beans with the toasty, slightly bitter notes of tahini. The outside fries to a golden crisp while the inside stays tender and slightly creamy. They are quick to prepare, work well for weeknight meals, and travel nicely for picnics or lunches. They’re also adaptable to many diets with small swaps.
How to Make Tahini Black Beans Fritters
This recipe is straightforward: mash, mix, shape, and pan-fry. Use a fork or potato masher to get a mostly smooth texture with a few beans left whole for bite. Chill the mixture briefly if it’s sticky—this helps the patties hold together while frying. Cook in a hot skillet so the outside browns quickly without drying the center. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth. Leave a few whole beans for texture. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic so the flavors release quickly when cooked.
Step 2: Mixing
Add tahini, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans; mix until well combined. Use your hands or a spoon to press the mixture so it holds together. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water or extra tahini.
Step 3: Shaping
Form the mixture into small patties or fritters, about 2–3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Press the edges so they stay compact. Chill the patties for 5–10 minutes if they seem sticky—this helps them hold their shape in the pan.
Step 4: Cooking
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Test with a small drop of batter; it should sizzle. Fry the fritters for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan and to keep the oil temperature steady.
Step 5: Draining
Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Let them rest a minute so the exterior firms up. Serve warm for the best contrast of crunchy outside and creamy inside.
How to Serve Tahini Black Beans Fritters
Serve these fritters with a bright yogurt or tahini sauce, lemon wedges, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. They pair well with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. For a heartier meal, place them in pita bread with greens and pickled vegetables. For a snack platter, offer them alongside hummus, roasted peppers, and olives.
How to Store Tahini Black Beans Fritters
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crisp.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked shaped patties on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding an extra minute or two per side.
- Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a skillet or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes instead of the microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect Tahini Black Beans Fritters
- Dry the beans well after rinsing so the mix isn’t watery.
- Use a fork to mash—some whole beans add nice texture.
- If your mixture is too loose, add more breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time.
- If you prefer a lighter color and less oil, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Keep the oil hot but not smoking; medium heat yields a golden crust without burning.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before shaping—tahini can be salty or bitter depending on brand.
Delicious Variations
- Spiced Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Herby: Fold in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness.
- Cheesy: Mix in 1/4 cup grated cheddar or feta for a melty center.
- Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
- Baked: Brush patties with oil and bake on a lined sheet for a lighter version.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?
Yes. Cook dried beans until tender, drain, and cool. Use about 1.5 cups cooked black beans in place of the canned can. Adjust salt since canned beans can be salty. -
My mixture falls apart while frying. What can I do?
The mix may be too wet or not chilled. Add more breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time, or chill formed patties for 10 minutes before frying. Press patties firmly when shaping. -
Can I make these gluten-free or vegan?
They are easily gluten-free if you use GF breadcrumbs or ground oats. The recipe is already vegan as written. -
How can I reduce oil absorption?
Use a nonstick skillet and medium heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan and drain on paper towels. Baking is a good alternative to frying. -
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes. Make the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shape and fry when ready. If shaping ahead, place patties on parchment and cover to prevent drying. -
Will the tahini flavor be overpowering?
Tahini gives a nutty depth, not an overpowering taste when balanced with beans and seasoning. If you prefer milder tahini flavor, reduce to 1/3 cup and add 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil. -
Are these fritters good cold?
They’re best warm for texture, but they taste fine cold in a sandwich or salad. Reheating crisps the outside again.
Conclusion
These tahini black beans fritters are easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile for many meals. They crisp up beautifully and offer a creamy, nutty center with warm spice notes. For another take on this recipe and extra serving ideas, check out Tahini Black Beans Fritters [ vegan, GF, nut free, flourless ] kiipfit.com. Give them a try—you’ll enjoy the crunchy texture and rich, sesame-forward taste.
Print
Tahini Black Beans Fritters
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free (with swaps)
Description
Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these tahini black beans fritters are a delightful snack or appetizer, packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth, leaving a few whole for texture. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Add tahini, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans; mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small patties, about 2–3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Chill if too sticky.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the fritters for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Notes
For best results, reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness. These fritters can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 325mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
