Now that the New Year is upon us, I’m going back to my healthy eating ways. Recently, my mom gave me a jar of organic quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) to try out, and I finally got around to it.
For those of you who don’t know, quinoa is a gluten-free seed that originated from South America. In addition, it is a complete protein loaded with 9 essential amino acids and lots of fiber. Amongst the whole grain family, quinoa has the highest level of protein making it ideal for vegetarians. Lastly, quinoa helps maintain normal blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol. To learn more about quinoa, visit WellBeing-Secrets.
Since I’m a novice when it comes to quinoa, I looked up some interesting recipes online and instantly knew I wanted to make these quinoa patties by Bianca.
Quinoa on its own can be quite bland, hence it is important to flavor it correctly so you can enjoy the meal and reap the health benefits.
And now here to share with you are these Mini Quinoa Patties that I barely made any adjustments to, except for adding a little kick to them. Additionally, I made a quick yogurt sauce as an accompaniment flavored with salt, black pepper, garlic & onion powders. 
An excellent meal for those of you trying to lose weight or maintain your weight – easy, fast, healthy and most importantly, delicious! 
NUTRITION: Quinoa is an excellent source of Protein and Fiber, and a very good source of Iron, and Magnesium. Egg and Cheese are an excellent source of Protein.
INGREDIENTS (makes 2 to 3 servings; mostly adapted from Confessions of a Chocoholic, originally from Heidi Swanson):
for patties:
- Quinoa – 1 1/4 cups cooked (probably 1/2 cup uncooked)
- Eggs – 2
- salt – 1/4 tsp
- Fresh Chives – 1/4 cup => 3 tbsp for the patties + 1 tbsp for garnish (finely chopped)
- Parmesan Cheese – 1/4 cup (grated)
- Garlic – 2 cloves (chopped)
- Italian Bread Crumbs – 1/2 cup
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
for yogurt sauce…didn’t measure anything, just wing it:
- Yogurt – dollop
- salt
- black pepper
- onion powder
- garlic powder
garnish:
- Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce – a few dashes
- Fresh Chives – 1 tbsp reserved from above
DIRECTIONS:
1. Start by cooking the quinoa – instructions here. While the quinoa cooks, grate the parmesan cheese, and chop the chives and garlic. Set aside.
2. Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. Set aside.
3. Check on the quinoa once it is done. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool down for 10 minutes.
4. Make sure the quinoa isn’t too hot when you add it to the eggs, else the eggs will start to cook themselves. Add the quinoa to the eggs. Stir immediately.
5. Add the chives, garlic, cheese, and salt. Stir.
6. Add the bread crumbs. Stir.
7. Add crushed pepper flakes – optional. Stir.
8. Form the patties in the palm of your hands.
9. This should yield 6 patties.
10. Heat a cast-iron skillet on low-medium heat, once hot, add a tablespoon of EVOO oil.
11. Place the patties on the skillet… you should hear a sizzle.
12. Flip once the side a few minutes… mine got a little burnt, however I didn’t mind at all.
13. Place the patties on a serving plate. 
14. Top with yogurt sauce and finish it off with Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Sauce.
15. So healthy and delicious! Serve immediately!
TELL ME: What recipes have you tried with quinoa?
Wonderful Patties dear…awesome presentation…luvd it.
You know I love me some quinoa! I've definitely bookmarked this recipe for future use :)! There really are so many uses for quinoa and some of my favorites are in a stir fry, savory pancakes & as a rice alternative in quinoa! The volume eater in me is a fan of how much it expands when cooked ha!
Happy Monday, Nisha!
I usually just boil up my quinoa and add some tomato sauce…makes it pasta-ish. This looks way better!
I love quinoa! We eat it 3-4 times a week – with roasted veggies, stir frys, in muffins, etc.! I will definitely have to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
OMG!! A recipe with quinoa that I've been looking for!! This looks super delicious! Im going to try it tomorrow night!!
looks so goood. I loveee quinoa, so easy and delicious. Great for my meatless monday! thanks
@Khushboo – I really like quinoa too, I have to come up with new ways of incorporating it into my diet. Stir Fry sounds awesome and definitely a good rice alternative. Happy Monday, K!
@Ameena – That sounds yummy too… quinoa in pasta form. OMG, I can't wait to experiment all these new ideas.
@Parita – Wow, 3-4 times a week? That's awesome.. I don't think my husband would eat it that often. Quinoa Muffins? That's crazy.
@Anu – Great.. can't wait to hear about how your adventure in the kitchen works out!
@Dixya – Yup, great for Meatless Monday. 🙂 Thank you!
I am so making these! I have been keeping an eye out on pinterest for quinoa patties and luckily I found yours instead! These look so easy and delicious, thank you!
I'm so glad you liked it! It's become one of my favorite quinoa recipes 🙂
Hi Nisha,
Happy New year!
Quinoa is my favorite grain and I love this recipe! Will try it out soon.
I tried this recipe yesterday, and I absolutely loved it! Its simple, quick and you have most of the ingredients on hand. Best of all, the taste is amazing!! Im going to make it my new appetizer at parties!!
@Natalie – Thanks, you and I both. I have some more ideas. 🙂
@Bianca – Thanks girl.. you made it happen else I would never find the recipe. 🙂
@Asmita – HNY Asmita! I really like Quinoa, I have to make more dishes with it to really make it a staple in my diet. 🙂
@Anu – That's great.. thanks for your feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed the flavors. I'm sure it will be a crowd pleaser provided you serve it warm.
This is so exciting, can't wait to try these quinoa patties. I just recently bought a bag and was going to make rice or soup with it which, is pretty boring. Your recipe is very creative and looking forward to making this for dinnerJC
@Anonymous JC – I'm so glad you have another idea for using your quinoa patties. Great idea. You will love this recipe.
Ok, these were amazing! I didn't have chives so I took your advice to use scallions and they turned out delicious. And they're healthy! I served these with a greek salad and a nice glass of wine – perfect light, healthy dinner.
@Nandini – Thanks. I'm so glad scallions worked out for you. Smart idea to pair this up with a greek salad.. tzatiki sauce would go perfectly with these patties. 🙂
I make a variation of this red rice/quinoa salad — very forgiving. I don't saute the onion; I use lots more arugula. Love it!
http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/ottolenghi-red-rice-and-quinoa-recipe.html
@Faye – Yeah, my recipe is based off Bianca's version more than Heidi's version. I love arugula too, would be great with quinoa. 🙂
These look absolutely delicious! I need to get on the quinoa train.
Thanks Karen. I love quinoa.. the possibilities are endless. 🙂
Omg! I just made these and they are AMAZING! They honestly taste just like a schnitzel recipe my mom used to make, and at a little over 130 cals per patty, I don't have to feel bad about eating 2! The only part I changed was I left out the chives because my chives went bad. Thank you for posting this!
Sounds and looks delicious! I have yet to bake this – I really need to try it soon though. And get more quinoa! 🙂