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!