Black Bean and Cilantro Burgers

1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 T unsalted butter
1-19 oz can black beans, rinses and drained (about1-2/3 cups)
1/3 cup fine bread crumbs
1 large egg, beaten lightly
3 T fresh cilantro leaves, copped fine
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
pure olive oil for frying

DIRECTIONS:

In a small heavy skillet cook onion, bell pepper and garlic in butter over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened.

In a bowl mash 1/3 beans with a fork and stir in remaining beans, onion mixture, bread crumbs, egg, coriander, salt and pepper to taste.

Form mixture into four 4" patties. (Mixture will be wet and soft.) Gently dredge patties in cornmeal and transfer to a large plate lined with plastic wrap.

In a heavy skillet heat 1/4 inch oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook patties in 2 batches 1-1/2 minutes on each side, transferring to paper towels to drain.

Serve bean cakes with salsa.
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.