Wholesome & Delicious Kale and Quinoa Patties: A Family Favorite Recipe

Discover a recipe that has truly stood the test of time in my kitchen: these incredible Kale and Quinoa Patties. Having made them countless times over the years, I can confidently say they are a cherished household staple. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a versatile, healthy, and utterly satisfying solution for busy weeknights, leisurely brunches, or even a quick, nutritious snack. If you’re searching for a plant-powered dish that appeals to everyone, look no further.

My culinary journey with these patties began many years ago, in the early days of my food blogging adventure. Back then, blogging was a nascent passion, and I was simply experimenting with a “Food Friday” series. While I’ve refined my photography and writing skills considerably since then, the essence of this beloved recipe has remained. It’s a wonderful reminder of how far a little dedication and a great recipe can take you. The original post, a humble beginning, still exists as a testament to that journey, though I often chuckle at the early photos!

The Unrivaled Versatility of Kale and Quinoa Patties

One of the most remarkable aspects of these Kale and Quinoa Patties is their incredible adaptability. Over the years, I’ve explored every conceivable way to enjoy them. They transform beautifully into a satisfying burger when served on a bun, offering a fantastic vegetarian alternative. For a lighter meal, I love to top them with fresh avocado slices, tangy goat cheese, creamy cottage cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. But honestly, sometimes the simplest pleasure is eating them straight out of the skillet – no fuss, just pure deliciousness.

These patties aren’t confined to a single mealtime either. They make a fantastic, protein-rich breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a delightful dinner. And yes, they absolutely shine as a healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever hunger strikes. This endless versatility is precisely why they feature so regularly in my meal rotation, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to make them a regular in your home too!

Simplifying the Preparation: My Tried-and-True Method

As with many beloved family recipes, this one has evolved over time, streamlining the process and making it even more effortless. I’ve discovered clever shortcuts that mean I can now whip up a batch without even glancing at the recipe card. It’s a testament to how intuitive and forgiving this dish truly is.

The journey to perfect patties begins with cooking the quinoa. Once it’s perfectly fluffy and the heat is off, I add chopped kale directly into the hot pot, covering it to let the residual steam work its magic. After about 8 minutes, the kale is beautifully tender and vibrant, ready to be gently folded into the quinoa. This simple steaming method ensures the kale retains its nutritional value and bright flavor without overcooking.

The remaining steps are remarkably straightforward: combine all the ingredients in a single bowl, mix until well incorporated, and then form the mixture into neat patties. These little discs of goodness are then ready for their pan-frying debut, where they transform into golden, crispy delights.

Customizing Your Patties: Tips & Variations

What I adore most about this recipe is its inherent flexibility. I’ve made these patties without cheese, for a dairy-free option, and I’ve also successfully used gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs. The foundation of quinoa and kale is robust enough to handle various modifications, allowing you to tailor the patties to your preferences or what you have on hand.

However, after countless iterations, I’ve settled on my ultimate favorite version: one that embraces the delightful crunch of panko breadcrumbs and the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. This combination delivers a texture and flavor profile that is simply irresistible.

For cooking, I’ve recently fallen in love with using avocado oil. Its high smoke point and neutral flavor make it an excellent choice for achieving that perfect golden-brown crispness on the patties. Of course, olive oil or coconut oil also work wonderfully, so use whatever you prefer or have available in your pantry. The key is a good quality oil that can withstand medium heat without burning, ensuring your patties develop a beautiful crust.

These Kale and Quinoa Patties are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They embody wholesome eating without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. They’re quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and versatile enough to be enjoyed in countless ways. I genuinely believe they will become a cherished recipe in your home, just as they have in mine. Don’t delay – make a batch today and taste the goodness!

Kale & Quinoa Patties

By
Brita Britnell

Prep:
25 mins

Cook:
15 mins

Total:
40 mins

Servings:
4

Pin
Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups of broth, veggie or chicken will work well
• 4 stems of kale, steamed and chopped (about 2 cups chopped up)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 4 eggs, whisked
• 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• freshly ground pepper
• oil for the skillet, I use avocado oil but olive or coconut oil will also work well!
• optional for topping: avocado, cilantro, extra parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa in the broth as directed on the packaging. Once done, remove from the heat, top with the kale (do not stir), and cover for 8-10 minutes to steam. Stir gently to combine and then set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa and kale mixture with the panko breadcrumbs, whisked eggs, thinly sliced spring onions, Parmesan cheese, finely minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Take approximately 1/4 cup of the quinoa mixture at a time and form it into flat, round patties. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
4. Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the formed patties to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. (You may need to cook them in two batches). Cook for 5 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes on the other side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and heated through.
6. Serve your delicious Kale and Quinoa Patties immediately with your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?Mention @foodwithfeeling or tag #foodwithfeeling!