Note: You can make these more, or less, spicy. Taste-test as you add the seasonings and make it to suit yourself.

Mash beans. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl (or in the pot you used to cook the beans).

Place spoonfuls on a greased baking sheet–small spoonfuls for bean balls or large spoonfuls for bean patties. Shape as desired. Fry in hot oil, turning to brown all sides, for bean balls, or fry patties, turning once, just enough to brown. Drain on paper towels. Or, for baked bean balls or patties, bake at 375-degrees for 20 minutes. (Turn once for patties, to brown both sides. It’s not necessary to turn for bean balls.)

I’ve tried these both ways, baked and fried. It’s no surprise that anything is better fried, but they are delicious baked as well. Baked bean balls and patties hold their shape better, but are more dry. Fried, they still hold their shape (you can pick them up in your hand), just not as firmly as when baked, but they are juicier.

Makes about 3 dozen bean balls or 6 burgers, depending on size.