Oil for the pan

3 scallions, sliced (half a bunch)

4 garlic cloves passed through a press

1 jalapeno pepper, chopped, with seeds and ribs removed

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

Salt and pepper

1/2 sweet potato, grated

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

 

Warm the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.  Add the scallions and cook for about a minute until they’re soft.  This will only take about a minute.  Add the scallions, garlic and cumin and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Place this mixture into a large bowl.  Add the beans and mash the mixture with the back of a fork, mashing about 75% of the beans, but leaving some of them whole for texture.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add in the rest of the ingredients.  Divide into 8 balls and flatten them between the palms of your hands into patties. Lay the patties on a greased cookie sheet and broil on one side for about 8 minutes.  Carefully flip, then broil on the other side for about 3 minutes more.  If you’re my sister and using that rip-roaring hot broiler of yours, the total time will be 3 minutes, and you won’t be able to flip.  They’ll still be good.