Are you ready to elevate your burger game with a healthy twist? Say hello to Greek Style Quinoa Burgers! Bursting with vibrant flavors and packed with nutritious ingredients, these mouthwatering patties are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into the world of Mediterranean cuisine and discover how easy it is to create a deliciously satisfying meal that’s both hearty and wholesome!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup chickpeas, mashed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the chickpeas. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them under cold water. Place 1 cup of chickpeas in a mixing bowl and mash them using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some texture for added bite.
- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, mashed chickpeas, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form the mixture into patties, about 4 to 6, depending on your preferred size. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind the patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the quinoa patties in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Once cooked, transfer the quinoa burgers to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, or on a bun.
- Enjoy your delicious Greek Style Quinoa Burgers!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Rinse your quinoa thoroughly to eliminate any bitterness before cooking. For the best texture, use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water and let it simmer until fluffy.
- Texture Matters: When mashing the chickpeas, leave some chunks for added texture in your patties. This will give your burgers a delightful bite!
- Sautéing the Aromatics: Sauté the onion and garlic until they are fragrant and translucent. This step enhances the overall flavor of your burgers, making them irresistible.
- Binding the Patties: If your mixture feels too wet, don’t hesitate to add more breadcrumbs. This will help bind the patties and ensure they hold their shape while cooking.
- Cook in Batches: To achieve that perfect golden-brown crust, cook your patties in batches. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming rather than frying, so give them space to crisp up!
- Serving Suggestions: Try serving your quinoa burgers with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies, or on a whole grain bun for a complete meal. You can also pair them with a side salad for a refreshing touch.
- Make Ahead: These burgers can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat them in a skillet for a quick and easy meal anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
