Black Bean and Chipotle Croquettes

History & Origin

The black bean is one of the oldest and most fundamental ingredients in Mexican and Mesoamerican cuisine, with evidence of cultivation dating back more than 7,000 years in the valleys of Mexico and Guatemala. For centuries it was the principal source of plant protein for indigenous peoples, perfectly complementing maize in a combination that modern nutritionists recognise as a complete protein. Bean croquettes are a modern creation that reinterprets refried beans — the classic dish of cooked beans mashed with lard — in a more contemporary, internationally accessible format. Adding chipotle in adobo sauce introduces the smoky, spicy flavour characteristic of many central Mexican dishes. The combination of black beans with chipotle, cumin and coriander creates a croquette with a distinctly Mexican flavour identity. An ideal recipe for those seeking a nutritious vegan snack or wanting to incorporate more plant-based Mexican protein into their diet.