Hoppin Juan Skillet Cakes
Hoppin Juan Skillet Cakes are flavorful vegetarian patties featuring black-eyed peas, brown rice, and spices. Crispy and satisfying, they make a perfect protein-packed meal or snack, complemented by tangy picante sauce and fresh scallions. Great for a quick, healthy, and tasty dish any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 medium onion, finely diced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Weight Watchers fat-free mayonnaise dressing
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup picante sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced scallions with tops ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Weight Watchers ultimate 90 plain nonfat yogurt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, coarsely mash the black-eyed peas.
- Add the cooked brown rice, finely diced onion, bread crumbs, mayonnaise dressing, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper to the mashed peas. Mix well.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions, each about 1/3 cup.
- Shape each portion into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
- Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped bell peppers or corn into the patty mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed cornflakes or oats can serve as a suitable substitute. These cakes are a great way to use leftover rice and beans, making them perfect for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
These skillet cakes are delicious served with a side of picante sauce for dipping. Pair them with a fresh salad dressed with Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing for a light meal. They also complement grilled meats perfectly, making them a versatile addition to your dinner table. For a comforting touch, serve them alongside Lemon Barbeque Pork Chops.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Hoppin Juan Skillet Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hoppin Juan Skillet Cakes contains roughly 257 calories, with 7g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you're ready to serve. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, these patties freeze well! After shaping them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for black-eyed peas?
If you don't have black-eyed peas, you can use cooked kidney beans or pinto beans as a substitute. Both will provide a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure they are well-drained before adding them to the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).