Baked Veggie Quinoa Patties
Highlighted under: Easy Healthy Meals Inspiration
I absolutely love making these baked veggie quinoa patties! They are the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that bring together incredible flavors. Whenever I serve these, I delight in how they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, these patties are versatile; I enjoy them in a wrap, as a side dish, or on their own. They’re not just delicious, but also a healthy option that I can feel good about sharing with friends and family.
When I first experimented with these baked veggie quinoa patties, I wasn't sure how the textures would hold up. To my delight, the combination of quinoa and vegetables created a satisfying dish that I found I could adjust according to what's in my fridge. For instance, I typically use whatever seasonal veggies I have on hand, which adds a unique flair to each batch!
One tip I learned along the way is to let the mixture sit for a few minutes before shaping the patties. This allows the quinoa to absorb more moisture from the vegetables, resulting in a firmer patty that holds its shape better during baking. It's definitely a game-changer that I recommend!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Packed with nutritious veggies and protein-rich quinoa
- Crispy exterior with a soft and flavorful inside
- Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner
Ingredient Insights
The star of these baked veggie quinoa patties is undoubtedly the quinoa itself. This protein-packed grain not only adds a hearty texture but also binds the other ingredients together, ensuring the patties hold their shape when baked. It's crucial to use cooked quinoa, as uncooked quinoa wouldn’t meld well with the veggies and would remain crunchy in the final product, defeating the desired soft texture.
Zucchini and carrots provide moisture and natural sweetness. Grating them finely allows them to incorporate seamlessly into the mixture, ensuring each bite is balanced. If you're in a pinch, shredded sweet potato or even finely chopped mushrooms are excellent substitutes, adding their own unique flavors while maintaining the moisture balance.
Baking Tips
When shaping the patties, make sure to pack the mixture tightly. If they're too loose, they may fall apart during baking. Aim for a diameter of about 3 inches and a thickness of 1 inch for even cooking. Using a cookie cutter can help achieve uniformity in size while creating a professional look.
To achieve that beautiful golden brown exterior, don’t skip the olive oil drizzle before baking. It not only enhances the flavor but promotes browning. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the patties after 20 minutes; they should be firm to the touch and have a lightly crispy surface.
Serving Suggestions
These quinoa patties are incredibly versatile. Serving them in whole-grain wraps with fresh greens, avocado slices, and your favorite sauce creates a delicious meal. For a lighter option, pair them with a side salad or serve them on a bed of spinach topped with a yogurt-based sauce for added creaminess.
The baked veggie quinoa patties freeze beautifully, making them great for meal prep. After cooling, store them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper for easy access. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to make your delicious patties:
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Make sure to adjust the spices according to your personal preference!
Instructions
Follow these steps for perfectly baked veggie quinoa patties:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, grated zucchini, shredded carrots, chopped bell pepper, green onions, and minced garlic.
Add Binding Ingredients
Stir in the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Shape the Patties
Form the mixture into equal-sized patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake
Drizzle the patties with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
Serve
Serve warm with your favorite sauce or in a wrap!
These patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add in some spices for extra flavor.
Dietary Modifications
For a vegan alternative, consider substituting the egg with flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This mixture helps bind the ingredients together much like an egg would.
If you're looking for gluten-free options, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely ground oats. This not only caters to gluten sensitivities but also adds a curious chewiness that enhances the overall patty texture.
Storage and Reheating
To best store your baked quinoa patties, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; they can last up to 3 months when properly sealed.
When reheating, avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunchy exterior. Instead, heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, which will help maintain their texture while ensuring they're warm and ready to enjoy.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these patties vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze these patties?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with these quinoa patties?
They pair wonderfully with a yogurt sauce, in a salad, or even inside a pita with fresh veggies.
Baked Veggie Quinoa Patties
I absolutely love making these baked veggie quinoa patties! They are the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that bring together incredible flavors. Whenever I serve these, I delight in how they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, these patties are versatile; I enjoy them in a wrap, as a side dish, or on their own. They’re not just delicious, but also a healthy option that I can feel good about sharing with friends and family.
Created by: Thea Montgomery
Recipe Type: Easy Healthy Meals Inspiration
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, grated zucchini, shredded carrots, chopped bell pepper, green onions, and minced garlic.
Stir in the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Form the mixture into equal-sized patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the patties with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
Serve warm with your favorite sauce or in a wrap!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add in some spices for extra flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g