Southwestern Falafel

Ingredients

• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying , or as needed
• 1 onion , quartered
• 1 small green bell pepper , chopped
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 package dry taco seasoning mix , 1.25 ounce
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons peanut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 can pinto beans , 16 ounce
• 1 dash hot sauce , or to taste
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs , or more as needed

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. 2

   Place onion, green bell pepper, egg, garlic, taco seasoning, baking powder, peanut oil, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper in a food processor. Puree until smooth.

3. 3

   Pour pinto beans into mixture and pulse until pinto beans are chopped and integrated, but not smooth.

4. 4

   Transfer bean mixture to a large bowl; stir hot sauce into mixture.

5. 5

   Stir enough bread crumbs into mixture to form a dough that holds together, but isn't sticky.

6. 6

   Form dough into quarter-sized balls.

7. 7

   Deep-fry in hot oil until falafel are deep brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.