crispy quinoa patties w lime tahini sauce

bringing back an old favorite—crispy quinoa patties that are easy, flavorful, and high in protein. Made with chickpea flour, they’re gluten free, low glycemic index, and the best fridge staple!

As I’ve been taking up some classes at culinary school before heading to Italy, I’ve been rediscovering ingredients I used to love. Last year, I was all about chickpea flour. At the time, I was following a gluten-free, dairy-free and low glycemic index diet recommended by my doctor, which led me to explore chickpea flour. And, while its distinct taste didn’t always work as a replacement for regular flour, I loved that it had a low glycemic index, was rich in protein and naturally gluten free. It’s a great source of fiber, healthy fats and minerals as well!

Until last week at a vegetarian cooking class, I hadn’t been able to find a dessert recipe that I liked where I used chickpea flour (I’ll never forget my chickpea flour pancakes disaster lol. YUCK)—until I learned how to make the most delicious cardamom shortbread cookies, which I will definitely be making again!

Rediscovering this amazing ingredient at culinary school last week reminded me of another recipe I used to make alllll of the time last year : crispy quinoa patties. They were a true fridge staple for me— so easy to make, and perfect to add to a salad bowl or a vegetarian shawarma!

I don’t know why I stopped making them, but it’s time to bring them back!!! Hope you’ll love them as much as I do, and maybe this is the recipe that gets you to discover chickpea flour!

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Serves 2 (10 quinoa patties)

Ingredients

For the quinoa patties

• 125 g dry quinoa (preferably mix of white and black quinoa), thoroughly rinsed

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

• 1 small red onion

• 1 egg

• 6 tablespoons (50 g) chickpea flour

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon tarragon

• 1/2 teaspoon curry

• 1 teaspoon powdered garlic

• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 ground pepper

For the lime tahini sauce

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tahini

• 1/2 lime

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) warm water

• Salt & pepper

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Instructions

For the quinoa patties

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. Set aside to cool.

2. Combine a beaten egg, olive oil and a small diced red onion with the cooled down quinoa.

3. In a separate bowl, mix your choice of spices with chickpea flour, then add to the quinoa.

4. For a crispy golden crust, let the patties cook undisturbed over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes per side. This recipe makes approximately 10 delicious patties!

For the tahini lime sauce

1. Combine the tahini with approximately 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of warm water for a smooth consistency.

2. Add the juice of half a lime, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Serve this simple sauce alongside your crispy quinoa patties!

Optional side dish : roasted sweet potatoes

1. Peel and dice 3 small sweet potatoes.

2. In an oven plate, coat them generously in olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

3. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 25 minutes.