Mom's Quinoa Burgers

I made these with leftover quinoa and some vegetables I had in the fridge. Super easy! Great on a multigrain bun with some tomatoes, spinach, and your favorite spread! My 2 1/2-year-old said, I love it Mommy! If necessary, while frying, flatten the burgers with the back of your spatula (but don't make them too thin).

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 36 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 6 mins
• Calories: 176 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped celery
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup chopped yellow bell pepper
• ½ cup chopped zucchini
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
• ¾ cup dry quinoa
• 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour, or more if needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; saute for 1 minute. Add zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper; saute until tender, 5 to 7 minutes more. Set aside to cool, about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Mix quinoa, zucchini-pepper mixture, and garlic together in a bowl. Stir in flour; stir in egg. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix in mozzarella cheese. Form into about 6 equal-size patties; place on a plate.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties until heated through and browned, 5 minutes per side.