1large zucchinigrated & squeezed dry to remove excess moisture
2large eggs
1teapsoononion powder
1teapsoonpepper
1teapsoonsalt
½tablespoonminced garlic
2cupscooked quinoaslightly cooled
cooking spray
Instructions
Prepare quinoa by bringing placing dry quinoa, water, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork. Alternatively, follow my directions for Instant Pot Quinoa, cooking 1-½ cups of quinoa with 1-½ cups of water for 1 minute on high pressure with a natural pressure release.
Measure out 2 cups of cooked quinoa and spread it out on a sheet pan to cool slightly for 10-20 minutes before preparing burgers. Speed up the process by popping the pan into the freezer for 5 minutes.
Prepare Quinoa Burgers
Preheat the oven to 425℉ and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease well with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, mix the eggs, seasonings, cottage cheese, parsley, zucchini, and carrot together until well combined. Add the cooled quinoa and thoroughly mix.
Scoop ¼ cup of the quinoa mixture unto the tray, forming 12 mounds in total, spaced 4 inches apart. Using slightly damp hands, form the mound into a burger shape, that is about ½-inch thick. Spray the top of the burgers with cooking spray.
Bake the burger patties for 20-25 minutes on the first side, Remove from the oven, gently flip, return to the oven, and continue to bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and set.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes and then serve as desired.
Video
Notes
Alternative Cooking Method: These burgers do not hold up well to grilling. They achieve the best texture when baked at a high temperature. However, they can be pan-fried over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes per side, if desired.Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat or reduced-fat, not fat-free cottage cheese for the best texture and results. Zucchini: Finely grate the zucchini on a box grater or in a food processor. Place the zucchini in a clean kitchen cloth or in cheesecloth and squeeze excess moisture out before adding to the quinoa. Storage: Leftover Quinoa Burgers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 days. Alternatively, freeze the burgers for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, remove as many burgers as desired and bake from frozen for 5 minutes per side in a 450-degree F oven, or until warmed through.