Mexican Pancakes with Un-Fried "Re-fried" Beans

This recipe was created after a VERY long and stressful day. I was tired, hungry, cold, and wanted something filling, quick, and comforting. My go-to "filling" food is beans...always! I mean, how can you not be full from all the fiber and protein?! I love beans. Loooooove them. I aim to eat at least 2 servings of beans per day. They are just SO nutritious (not to mention delicious and versatile...there is so much you can do with them!) Quick and comforting? Pancakes satisfies both of those requirements. Now to combine the two...
I remembered I had a big bag of Masa Harina Flour that I had bought for a cookbook recipe. Don't you love when a recipe calls for an ingredient that you buy, consciously knowing you will probably NEVER use it again, but buy it anyway because you REALLY want to make the recipe? Yeah. That's what happened in this situation...But I'm slowly discovering the wonders of Masa! Not only is it quick and nutritious, but it is so incredibly versatile and cheap. Sounds like a win-win to me (more creative Masa recipes to come soon...)!

Mexican Pancakes with Un-Fried "Re-fried" Beans

Mexican Pancakes with Un-Fried "Re-fried" Beans; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Serves One.

Ingredients

1. 1/2 Cup Masa Harina Flour
2. 3/4 Cup water
3. 1/2 Cup Canned Black Beans, rinsed and drained
4. dashes of cumin, cayenne, garlic and onion powders, and oregano
5. handful of fresh grape tomatoes
6. cilantro, for garnish
7. salsa, for serving (optional)

Method

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Combine masa and water in a medium size bowl and stir well. The water measurement varies-I started out with 1/2 Cup and had to add considerably more to get the batter the right consistency. 
2. Spoon batter onto heated pan and spread around to form a pancake shape. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side. You will end up with 4 small-medium size pancakes. 
3. While pancakes cook, make your beans. Add beans to a small bowl and add 1-2 T water. Mash beans well with a fork. Add cumin, cayenne, garlic, onion, and oregano and mix well. 
4. Pop beans in the microwave for about 35 seconds--just long enough to heat them through (you could also do this in a small soup pot on the stove).
5. Once pancakes are finished cooking, arrange them as you desire on a large plate. Serve with beans, sliced tomatoes, and salsa, if you wish. This dish is also great with fajita-style veggies as a side dish. 

Dinner is served!