Quinoa Burgers

This recipe is from my good neighbor, Aimee. Her's, of course, turned out much more appealing than mine did. This is a great nutritious alternative to those icky old ground-beef (Pink Slime) burgers! I'm even thinking they'd be great warmed up for breakfast!

INGREDIENTS



2 heaping cups cooked quinoa

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can use whatever variety you like)

1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1/2 cup carrot, finely grated. (about 1 medium carrot) you could also use 1 cup grated zucchini squeezed dry

3 eggs

6 tbsp whole wheat flour

3 green onions, including white parts

1/2 tsp sugar, or sugar substitute

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp cayenne (can omit if you don't want any heat)

Olive oil for frying

 

To cook quinoa, bring 2 cups water & 1/2 tsp salt to a boil, add 1 cup quinoa and cover. Reduce heat to low & cook for 15-18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Let cool to room temperature.

 

In a large mixing bowl combine cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, carrot, eggs, flour, green onions, sugar, salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne if using. Mix to combine thoroughly. Heat a frying pan over med-low heat so they have time to set up without falling apart. Add a about 2 tbsp olive oil and shape about 1/4 -1/3 cup portions into patties (they will be sticky). Drop into pan and flatten to about 1/2 inch thick. Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Makes about 10-12 burgers.