Maize and Black Bean Fritters with Spiced Yogurt

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-17 · Updated 2026-04-17

Crispy fritters made with ground maize and black beans, served with a cool yogurt sauce infused with cumin and mint. This East African-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs maize meal, black beans, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup maize meal
• 1 can (15 oz), drained black beans
• 1/4 cup, diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup, diced red onion
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mash 1 can drained black beans until mostly smooth. Add 1 cup maize meal, 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well, then stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour until a dough forms.
2. Step 2: Divide dough into 8 portions and shape into 1-inch thick patties. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
3. Step 3: While fritters cook, whisk 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped mint and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: Serve hot fritters topped with spiced yogurt sauce.