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Mini Quinoa Veggie Patties Recipe

Mini Quinoa Veggie Patties Recipe

5.1 from 19 reviews

Mini Quinoa Veggie Patties are a healthy, protein-packed snack or appetizer made with cooked quinoa, fresh grated vegetables, and flavorful spices. These patties are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for a gluten-free, vegetarian, and optionally vegan option. They are easy to prepare, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served with your favorite dipping sauce for a nutritious and delicious bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup grated zucchini (approximately 1 medium zucchini)
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot (approximately 1 medium carrot)
  • 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (choose your favorite color)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (white and green parts)

Binding & Flavoring

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired)
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking

  • Olive oil or cooking spray for frying

Instructions

  1. Prep the Veggies: Begin by grating the zucchini and carrot. Place both in a clean kitchen towel and twist to squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure your patties maintain their structure and don’t become soggy during cooking.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, grated zucchini, grated carrot, and chickpeas (lightly mashed with a fork for a chunky texture). Then, fold in the finely chopped bell pepper and green onions. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
  3. Add Flavor and Bind: Incorporate the breadcrumbs, egg (or flax egg), soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the mixture until it’s evenly blended and firm enough to hold its shape.
  4. Form Patties: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mix and shape them into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You should yield approximately 12-15 patties, depending on your preferred thickness.
  5. Cook Patties: Heat a drizzle of olive oil or apply cooking spray in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties in batches, ensuring the pan isn’t overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Drain and Serve: After cooking, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve them hot with your choice of yogurt sauce, salsa, or another favorite dipping sauce for a delightful contrast.
  7. Enjoy: These patties are perfect for serving immediately, but you can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for several days. They freeze beautifully—just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Notes

  • To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
  • Squeezing out excess moisture from zucchini and carrot is essential to prevent soggy patties.
  • You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour for gluten-free diets.
  • Cook patties in batches to avoid crowding the pan; this helps achieve a crispy crust.
  • Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze with parchment paper between layers.
  • Feel free to add grated cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa patties, veggie patties, healthy snacks, gluten-free, vegetarian, quinoa recipe, appetizer, easy recipe