Fried Zucchini Quinoa Cakes with a Kick of Fresh Herbs

This delightful dish combines the fresh flavors of zucchini and the nutty texture of quinoa with a mix of robust herbs, creating a savory cake that is both healthy and satisfying. These cakes are perfect for a summer appetizer, a light lunch, or even as a side dish. The subtle kick from the herbs adds a unique twist to this vegetarian dish that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 medium zucchinis, grated
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Quinoa:
– Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

2. Grate the Zucchini:
– Grate the zucchinis and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with a little salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
– Squeeze the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or with your hands to remove as much water as possible.

3. Mix the Ingredients:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, chopped chives, grated Parmesan cheese, and lightly beaten eggs.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

4. Form the Cakes:
– Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties, approximately the size of your palm. You should be able to make about 10-12 cakes.

5. Fry the Cakes:
– Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Place the cakes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
– Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the cakes in batches.

6. Drain and Serve:
– Remove the cakes from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
– Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or a simple tomato basil sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Fried Zucchini Quinoa Cakes with a Kick of Fresh Herbs!