QUINOA BURGER

By littlefish

So yummy! If you want a change of pace that’s meat-free, yet full of protein, fiber, and very filling…this might be for you.

I like it with Tzatziki on top (my recipe is in this post), or a little “fry sauce” (what some drive-ins call that wonderful mayo/ketchup combo), and with a thick slice of tomato, avocado, onion and lettuce, as a burger should be, it’s fab.

Don’t be afraid of Quinoa. It cooks just like rice – might even be a little easier! – and can be subbed almost straight across in most recipes. I made Rice Burgers for my kids for years and this is the same recipe, with Quinoa instead.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• OR 2 rounded cups leftover, cooked quinoa
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other variety, if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 3 eggs
• 2-3 tablespoons all purpose flour (start with 2, if they won’t hold together add the other one)
• 2 green onions, including white parts
• 1 /2 teaspoon Splenda or sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Olive oil for frying

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl combine the cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, carrot, eggs, flour, green onions, Splenda, pepper, cumin, salt, and garlic powder.

Heat a frying pan and a couple teaspoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Measure 1/4 cup and form into patties about 1/2 inch thick - mixture will be slightly sticky. Fry until golden-brown, about 4 minutes on each side.