This dynamic recipe brings together the nutty, wholesome goodness of quinoa and the vibrant, healthful benefits of spinach into one delightful patty. It's an easy and versatile dish that's perfect for a light dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Photos of Quinoa and Spinach Patties Recipe
Quinoa might be an ingredient you aren't familiar with; it's a grain, often considered a superfood due to its high protein content. You can usually find it in the rice or health food aisle in your supermarket. The same goes for Parmesan cheese, ensure to get the fresh one for better taste. Lastly, ensure to pick fresh and crisp spinach from the produce section.
Ingredients for Quinoa and Spinach Patties
Quinoa: A nutritious grain, rich in protein and fiber.
Water: Basic necessity for cooking quinoa.
Eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the patties.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor to the patties.
Scallions: Provides a mild, onion-like flavor.
Garlic: Gives a robust flavor to the patties.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Steamed spinach: Adds a layer of healthful, green goodness.
Plain breadcrumbs: Helps in binding the patty together.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties.
One reader, Alyce Hoskins says:
These quinoa and spinach patties are a game-changer! The combination of quinoa and spinach creates a delightful texture and flavor. The patties are easy to make and incredibly versatile. They're a hit with my family and have become a regular addition to our weekly menu. Highly recommended!
Techniques for Making Perfect Quinoa and Spinach Patties
How to cook quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly and place the grains in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Let it cool.
How to form patties: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, eggs, parmesan, scallions, garlic, salt, steamed spinach, and breadcrumbs. Let everything sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid. The batter should be moist but not runny. Form patties with about ¼ cup each.
How to cook patties: Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. In 2 or 3 batches, cook the patties covered for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until browned and golden.
How To Make Quinoa and Spinach Patties
These quinoa and spinach patties will make you forget about meat. The vegetarian dish is coated in crispy bread crumbs & filled with parmesan.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupquinoa,uncooked
- 2cupswater
- 4eggs,whisked
- ⅓cupparmesan cheese
- 3large scallions,sliced thin
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- ½tspkosher salt
- 1cupsteamed spinach,chopped
- 1cupplain breadcrumbs
- 1tspolive oil
Instructions
-
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly and place the grains in a medium sauce pan with 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
-
Cook for about 20 minutes until quinoa is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Let it cool.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, eggs, Parmesan, scallions, garlic, salt, steamed spinach, and breadcrumbs. Let everything sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid. The batter should be moist, but not runny. Form patties with about ¼ cup each.
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Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. In 2 or 3 batches, cook the patties covered for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until browned and golden.
Nutrition
- Calories: 225.22kcal
- Fat: 7.14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.38g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.71g
- Carbohydrates: 28.46g
- Fiber: 2.79g
- Sugar: 1.38g
- Protein: 11.51g
- Cholesterol: 96.22mg
- Sodium: 362.80mg
- Calcium: 153.64mg
- Potassium: 266.06mg
- Iron: 2.64mg
- Vitamin A: 79.67µg
- Vitamin C: 3.62mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Quinoa and Spinach Patties
When forming the quinoa and spinach patties, it's crucial to ensure the batter has the right consistency. If it's too runny, add a bit more breadcrumbs to absorb the excess moisture. Conversely, if the batter is too dry, add an extra egg to bind the ingredients together. This will ensure your patties hold their shape while cooking and don't fall apart in the pan.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Quinoa and Spinach Patties
Prep ahead: Cook the quinoa and steam the spinach in advance to save time when making the patties.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of the patties and freezing the extras for a quick and convenient meal later.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the scallions and garlic, saving time on prep work.
Non-stick skillet: Use a non-stick skillet to cook the patties, as they require less oil and are easier to clean.
Bake instead of frying: Consider baking the patties in the oven for a healthier and hands-off cooking method.
Substitute Ingredients For Quinoa and Spinach Patties Recipe
quinoa - Substitute with bulgur: Bulgur has a similar nutty flavor and texture to quinoa, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a similar earthy flavor and texture to the patties.
Presentation Ideas for Quinoa and Spinach Patties
Elevate the plating: Arrange the quinoa and spinach patties in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with vibrant greens: Sprinkle microgreens or finely chopped herbs over the patties to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Create an elegant design on the plate using a balsamic reduction to add a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place delicate, edible flowers around the patties to add a touch of elegance and a subtle floral note to the presentation.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace simplicity by placing the patties on a clean, white plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place edible gold leaf on the patties to create a visually stunning and opulent presentation.
Serve on individual tasting spoons: For a unique and refined presentation, serve mini quinoa and spinach patties on individual tasting spoons, creating an elegant and sophisticated serving style.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the patties in a symmetrical and visually appealing manner on the plate, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Patties
- Medium sauce pan: A medium-sized pan used for cooking the quinoa with water.
- Large bowl: A bowl used for combining the cooked quinoa, eggs, parmesan, scallions, garlic, salt, steamed spinach, and breadcrumbs.
- Non-stick skillet: A skillet used for cooking the quinoa and spinach patties, ensuring they don't stick to the pan.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool used for flipping and turning the quinoa and spinach patties while cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring the ingredients such as quinoa, water, parmesan cheese, and salt.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping the scallions and garlic.
- Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the scallions and garlic.
- Mixing spoon: A spoon used for mixing the ingredients in the large bowl.
- Lid: Used to cover the skillet while cooking the quinoa and spinach patties.
Storing and Freezing Quinoa and Spinach Patties
- Let the quinoa patties cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled patties in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the patties from becoming soggy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, arrange the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2-3 hours, or until the patties are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each patty with a piece of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Label the container or bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated patties, place them in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- To reheat frozen patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
- Tip: For best results, do not thaw the frozen patties before reheating. Reheating them from frozen will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
How To Reheat Leftover Quinoa and Spinach Patties
To reheat leftover quinoa and spinach patties, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the patties lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up and prevent drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Another option is to reheat the patties in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the patties in the microwave. Place the patties on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be aware that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven or stovetop reheating.
If you find that the patties are a bit dry after reheating, consider serving them with a dipping sauce or condiment to add moisture and flavor. Some delicious options include tzatziki, hummus, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, be sure to store the leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them just before serving to enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal.
Interesting Fact About Quinoa and Spinach Patties
Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent source of plant-based protein.
Is Making Quinoa and Spinach Patties at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this quinoa and spinach patties recipe is quite high. Quinoa is an affordable and nutritious grain, while spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals. The addition of eggs and parmesan cheese adds protein and flavor. This recipe is a great way to incorporate budget-friendly ingredients into a delicious and healthy meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it an economical choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Are Quinoa and Spinach Patties Healthy?
This quinoa and spinach patties recipe is a nutritious and wholesome choice. Quinoa is a protein-rich pseudocereal that provides essential amino acids, fiber, and minerals. Spinach adds vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. The recipe also includes eggs, which offer high-quality protein and healthy fats. Parmesan cheese provides calcium and flavor, while scallions and garlic add antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. The use of olive oil for cooking contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the amount of spinach or add other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for additional vitamins and minerals
- Replace half of the breadcrumbs with ground flaxseed or almond meal to boost the fiber and healthy fat content
- Use a reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to lower the saturated fat content without compromising flavor
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, or smoked paprika, to add variety and antioxidants
- Serve the patties with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced and nutrient-dense meal
Editor's Opinion on This Quinoa and Spinach Patty Recipe
This quinoa and spinach patties recipe is a delightful and nutritious option for a vegetarian meal. The combination of quinoa, spinach, and parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying patty. The use of scallions and garlic adds a depth of savory taste, while the breadcrumbs provide a pleasing texture. The cooking method ensures a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Overall, this recipe offers a balanced blend of wholesome ingredients and is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a delightful side.
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Why trust this Quinoa and Spinach Patties Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of quinoa and spinach, providing a nutritious and flavorful option for a wholesome meal. The use of parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory element, while the inclusion of scallions and garlic enhances the aromatic profile. The incorporation of spinach not only contributes to the vibrant color but also offers a boost of essential nutrients. Additionally, the method of steaming the spinach ensures that its natural flavors and nutrients are preserved. The use of olive oil for cooking adds a touch of healthy fats and a subtle depth of flavor.
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