Quinoa and Vegetable Patties

Quinoa and vegetable patties are a healthy and tasty option, perfect for those who follow a vegetarian diet or just want to try something different. Here I provide you with an Italian version of the dish with a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

• 200 g of quinoa
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 small onion
• 2 tablespoons of grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino, if desired)
• 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, plus extra for breading
• 1 egg (or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, for a vegan version)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Aromatic herbs of your choice (basil, parsley, thyme, etc.)
• Extra-virgin olive oil for cooking

Preparation

1. Start by rinsing the quinoa well under running water and then cook it according to the instructions on the package. Usually, twice the volume of water to quinoa is used.
2. Meanwhile, grate the zucchini and carrot and finely chop the onion.
3. Sauté the onion in a little extra-virgin olive oil until it becomes transparent, then add the grated vegetables and cook for a few minutes until they are soft.
4. In a bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa with the sautéed vegetables, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and chopped aromatic herbs. Add the egg or the flaxseed and water mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
5. Shape the mixture into patties, rolling them in the additional breadcrumbs.
6. You can choose to fry them in abundant hot oil until they are golden and crispy or bake them in the oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they are evenly browned.

Curiosity

Quinoa is not a grain but a seed that is part of the same family as beetroot and spinach. It is highly valued for its high nutritional content, especially because it is rich in protein and low in fat. If the quinoa and vegetable patties are served as a main course, they could be accompanied by a fresh tomato sauce or a yogurt sauce to add a touch of freshness.