Ingredients:
- 1 can (14-16 oz) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (5-7 oz) tuna in water, drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (or regular onion)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Mash the Beans: In a large mixing bowl, mash the white beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few chunks remaining for texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, parsley, green onions, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the mashed beans. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the Cakes: Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Chill (Optional): For easier handling, you can chill the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This step is optional but can help the cakes hold together better during frying.
- Fry the Cakes: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tuna and white bean cakes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each cake for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the tuna white bean cakes warm, with a side of lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a simple yogurt-dill sauce.
Tips:
- Substitutions: You can use other herbs like dill or cilantro if you prefer.
- Serving Suggestions: These cakes pair well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a light grain dish like quinoa or couscous.
- Storage: Leftover cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
Enjoy your Panfried Tuna White Bean Cakes!
