Cheesy Spinach Quinoa Patties

For me, warmer weather screams burgers and barbecue. Before I became a vegetarian, cheeseburgers were one of my fave foods and I must admit that the aroma of barbecuing burgers still makes me drool. Now that I no longer eat meat, I am constantly searching out new "burger" and "patty" recipes to try to fill my 'cheeseburger void'.

I found a recipe using quinoa recently and I tweaked it a little to make it my own by adding two of my all-time fave ingredients: Spinach & Cheddar  Mmmmmm.....

Now I personally wouldn't serve these on buns (they're pretty carb heavy on their own), but they are perfect-o with a side of roasted veggies or a great big green salad. I've made a couple of batches now and I love topping them with dijon (big surprise right?!) or tzatziki. Another bonus is that they're a great source of protein! 

Cheesy Spinach Quinoa Patties
Inspired by the Peachy Palate
Makes 4 patties

1/2 c quinoa
1 c water
1 c baby spinach, thinly sliced
2 green onions, diced
2 eggs
1/3 c bread crumbs
1 c shredded cheddar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp cajun seasoning

Cook your quinoa according to the package directions. Once the quinoa is done, remove from heat and mix in the spinach and green onions. Set mixture aside until cool enough to handle.

Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, add in the remaining ingredients.

Mix well and then form into 4 patties. Press together as much as you can.

Pre-heat a skillet to medium heat. Spray it with non-stick spray and then add your patties. Cook your patties for 6 to 7 minutes per side.

Remove from heat and serve.

Add your greens to the warm quinoa.

To cool the quinoa, throw it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes.

Cook your patties for 6 - 7 minutes and don't flip any earlier because they WILL fall apart!

YUM

Tastes awesome with tzatziki :) ....

...or with honey mustard parsnip fries on the side....

...I even topped a salad with a leftover patty that I crumbled...

FILLING & DELISH!!!

What foodie aroma makes you drool?

Do you have any good  veggie burger recipes you'd like to share - link it up in your comment below!

Have a great day my friends,

Andrea
xoxo