Crispy quinoa patties

Contributed by Michele Gilson, RD


Crispy quinoa patties

Quinoa is an ancient grain and one of the only plant foods that’s a complete protein. (A complete protein refers to offering all the essential amino acids in a healthy balance.) Quinoa grains have a high ratio of protein-to-carbohydrate from the germ being about 60% of the grain. This recipe for quinoa patties, adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction, is extremely versatile. There are numerous ways to serve these quinoa patties — plain, in a pita, on a salad, on a sandwich, topped with sliced avocado, with a few dashes of hot sauce. Experiment and see what you like best!

Note: These keep well in the refrigerator for one week and in the freezer for two months. Simply microwave them whenever hunger strikes.

Servings: 10

Prep time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 can chickpeas (8oz)
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated or vegan parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 3/4 cup whole-grain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup zucchini, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon oil, plus more as needed
  • Special equipment: food processor

Directions

  1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, onion, cheese, and garlic. It should form a dough. Transfer to a large bowl, then mix in the cooked quinoa, salt, and lemon pepper. Stir in the bread crumbs, chopped carrots, and chopped zucchini. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes.
  2. Form into 10 thick patties. If needed, add more breadcrumbs to firm up the mixture. If you need to moisten the mixture, add a couple of drops of water.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add patties, cover, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the bottoms have browned. Flip and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and cool on a large plate and cook the remaining patties. If needed, add more oil to the skillet between batches.

Nutrition information (per serving)

  • Calories: 143
  • Total fat: 4 g
  • Total carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Dietary fiber: 3 g
  • Total sugars: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g