Who would’ve thought that tiny grains could steal the spotlight in a dish that’s both crunchy and plant-based? These crispy vegan quinoa patties are like little bites of golden happiness—simple yet bursting with flavor. Imagine them sizzling in the pan, and before you know it, you’re hooked; even my carnivore friends can’t resist them.
Steps
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked quinoa, beaten eggs, salt, and lemon pepper. Add chopped parsley, onion, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic, and stir to combine. Blend in breadcrumbs, finely chopped carrot, and zucchini, then let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the crumbs to absorb moisture.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 20 thick patties. Ensure the mixture is moist enough to hold together but not too wet; adjust with breadcrumbs or water as needed. You can refrigerate the uncooked mixture for a few days if necessary.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat and place 5-6 patties in the skillet, cover, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the bottom is well browned. Flip the patties with a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes until golden. Continue this process with the remaining patties, adding more oil as needed between batches.
- Serve the patties in various ways such as in a pita, on a salad, in a sandwich, with avocado slices, or topped with hot sauce. Enjoy their versatility in your preferred style!
Ingredients
- 2 and 2/3 cups cooked quinoa
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup whole grain breadcrumbs (gluten-free or regular)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped zucchini
- 1 tablespoon oil, plus more as needed
FAQ
- Can I make these quinoa patties ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the quinoa patties in advance. Cooked patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to two months. You can reheat them quickly in the microwave when needed.
- What can I serve with quinoa patties?
- Quinoa patties pair well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them with a green salad, roasted vegetables, zucchini casserole, or even homemade soups like minestrone or alphabet soup.
- Are there any tips for ensuring the patties hold together while cooking?
- To ensure the patties hold their shape, make sure the vegetables are finely chopped, ideally using a food processor. Adjust the moisture by adding more breadcrumbs if the mixture is too wet, or a few drops of water if it’s too dry.
- Can I customize the ingredients in the quinoa patties?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and spices. Some popular options include swapping in broccoli or cauliflower for zucchini, and adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Is there a gluten-free option for these patties?
- Yes, you can make these patties gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or substituting with oat flour, which works well as a binding agent in this recipe.
Tips
- Ensure a good balance between vegetables and breadcrumbs to help the patties hold together. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, as they are essential for the texture and binding of the patties.
- Finely chop or process the vegetables using a food processor. Smaller pieces will integrate better into the mixture, improving the patties’ consistency and helping them hold their shape.
- Adjust the moisture content of the mixture as needed. If it’s too wet, add more cooked quinoa or breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, incorporate a few drops of water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Cook the patties in a lightly oiled skillet for the crispiest texture. Nonstick spray can be used, but it may not provide the same level of crispiness as oil.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Useful for finely chopping vegetables.
- Large Skillet – Necessary for cooking the patties.
- Glass Mixing Bowl – For combining all ingredients.
- Silicone Spatula – For stirring the mixture and flipping patties.
