Imagine biting into a crispy, golden patty with a fluffy, flavorful center made from wholesome quinoa and vibrant vegetables. Quinoa patties, also known as quinoa cakes, are the perfect way to turn simple pantry ingredients into a nutritious, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying vegetarian main dish, a quick snack, or a versatile addition to any meal, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these delightful patties from scratch!
Why You’ll Love These Quinoa Patties
Quinoa patties are a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. Quinoa, often referred to as a superfood, is rich in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. Combine it with fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and a crispy finish, and you’ve got a meal that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying. Plus, these patties are incredibly versatile—they can be served as a main course, a snack, or even a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
For the Quinoa Patties:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | 1½ cups (260g) |
| Water | 3 cups (720ml) |
| Carrot (grated) | 1 |
| Zucchini (grated) | 1 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (crushed) | 2 cloves |
| Parsley (finely chopped) | 1/4 bunch |
| Eggs (beaten) | 4 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (divided) |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 5 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Quinoa
- Rinse the quinoa under cold running water to remove its natural coating, saponin, which can taste bitter.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- While the quinoa cooks, grate the carrot and zucchini. Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent the patties from becoming soggy.
- In a frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and crushed garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the grated carrot and zucchini, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.
3. Mix the Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- The mixture should be moist and sticky enough to form patties. If it feels too dry, add another beaten egg or a tablespoon of water to adjust the consistency.
4. Shape the Patties
- Scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into round, flat patties about the size of a burger. Depending on the size, this recipe should yield 12-15 patties.
5. Cook the Patties
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties in batches, adding more oil as needed. Fry each patty for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the quinoa patties warm with a side salad, as a sandwich filling, or on their own with a dollop of yogurt, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Quinoa Patties
- Rinse the Quinoa Thoroughly: This removes any bitterness from the natural coating, ensuring a clean flavor.
- Moisture Matters: Squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated vegetables to achieve crispy patties.
- Non-Stick Skillet is Key: A good-quality non-stick pan prevents the patties from sticking and ensures even browning.
- Customize the Seasonings: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, or fresh dill for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Patty)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~130 |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Fat | ~7g |
FAQs About Quinoa Patties (Quinoa Cakes) Recipe
1. Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shape the patties when you’re ready to cook.
2. What can I use as a binder instead of eggs?
For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
3. Can I bake these patties instead of frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.
5. Are these patties freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze cooked or uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
6. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to mix in finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or corn for added texture and flavor.
A Delicious and Nutritious Choice
Quinoa patties are a versatile dish that fits perfectly into any meal plan. Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables, they’re as healthy as they are delicious. Whether served on their own, as a sandwich filling, or paired with a zesty dipping sauce, these patties are sure to become a favorite in your household.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and make a batch of these irresistible quinoa cakes today. Your taste buds—and your health—will thank you!
Quinoa Patties (Quinoa Cakes) Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 patties 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, quinoa patties (quinoa cakes) are a flavorful and nutritious meal. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, these versatile patties can be served as a main dish, snack, or even a burger alternative. They’re easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (260g) quinoa
- 3 cups (720ml) water
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 zucchini, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/4 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided into 1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 tablespoons olive oil (divided into 2 tablespoons + 3 tablespoons)
Instructions
1. Cook the Quinoa:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold running water to remove its natural coating, saponin, which can taste bitter.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Remove from heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Allow it to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Grate the carrot and zucchini. Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the grated carrot and zucchini, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.
3. Mix the Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, parsley, beaten eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly. If the mixture feels too dry, add an extra beaten egg or a tablespoon of water to adjust consistency.
4. Form the Patties:
- Scoop the mixture and shape it into round, flat patties about the size of a burger. This recipe yields approximately 12-15 patties.
5. Cook the Patties:
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches, frying each for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed.
6. Serve:
- Serve warm with a side salad, in a sandwich, or topped with yogurt, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Moisture Control: Ensure the zucchini and carrot are squeezed well to remove excess liquid for firmer patties.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, bake patties at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Storage: Store cooked patties in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian