Black Bean Croquettes with Avocado/Tomato Salsa

Let's start with the ingredients:

Ingredients

·                     1 dash(es) cooking spray

·                     1 can black beans

·                     1 teaspoon cumin, ground

·                     1 cup(s) corn, whole kernel frozen

·                     1/4 cup(s) bread crumbs, fine, dry

·                     1/3 cup(s) panka bread crumbs, dry

·                     2 cup(s) tomato(es)

·                     2 medium scallion(s) (green onions)

·                     1/4 of a red bell pepper

·                     1/2 white onion

·                     1/4 cup(s) cilantro, fresh

·                     1 teaspoon chili powder

·                     1 teaspoon lemon juice

·                     1/4 teaspoon salt

·                     1 tablespoon oil, olive, extra virgin

·                     1 medium avocado

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Mash black beans and cumin with a fork in a large bowl. Stir in corn and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs.

3. Combine tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, bell pepper, white onion, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and salt in a medium bowl. Stir 1 cup of the tomato mixture into the black bean mixture.

4. Mix the remaining 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, oil and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder in a small bowl until the breadcrumbs are coated with oil. Divide the bean mixture into 8 scant 1/2-cup balls. Lightly press each bean ball into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat (I like to use panka Japanese bread crumbs). Place on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the croquettes until heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Stir avocado into the remaining tomato mixture. Serve the salsa with the croquettes.