Chickpea, Spinach, and Quinoa Patties

Prepare yourself for a gastronomic adventure that marries the wholesomeness of chickpeas, the leafy elegance of spinach, and the nutty goodness of quinoa. These Chickpea, Spinach, and Quinoa Patties are not just a delightful vegetarian option; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing!

Yield and Total Time: Yield: 12 patties Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Olive oil, for frying

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Prep and Mix: In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture. Add in the cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s a glorious, colorful blend.
2. Bind it Together: Stir in the beaten eggs, which will serve as the magical glue holding these patties together. The mixture should be moist enough to form into patties but not too wet. Adjust with more breadcrumbs if needed.
3. Shape and Chill: With clean, slightly damp hands, shape the mixture into 12 equally sized patties. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for about 15 minutes. This little chill session will help the patties firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
4. Sizzle in Olive Oil: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, gently place the patties in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they achieve a golden-brown perfection.
5. Yogurt Sauce Magic: While the patties are sizzling away, whip up a quick yogurt sauce by combining Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. This zesty, herby concoction is the perfect sidekick for your patties.
6. Serve and Delight: Plate up these golden wonders, drizzle them with a dollop of the yogurt sauce, and marvel at your culinary creation. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flavor-packed interior, making each bite a sensation.

Summary:

These Chickpea, Spinach, and Quinoa Patties are not just a vegetarian delight; they are a symphony of tastes and textures that will make you forget you ever craved meat. With the added bonus of a refreshing yogurt sauce, these patties are versatile enough for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Get ready to pat yourself on the back—you’ve just created a masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds!

Photo by: Mike Garten