Summer means burgers! I love to keep them fresh, healthy and colourful by trading in heavy buns for baby cos leaves. My flavour-packed quinoa patties will appeal to both vegetarians and meat eaters. Because the patties have a hit of cheese already, I dress the burgers simply, with lots of avocado, salad and sometimes a dollop of Greek yoghurt. They’re also incredible with my roasted beetroot dip.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup quinoa (any colour)
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or use Cheddar)
1 large garlic clove, diced finely
1 cup tightly packed chopped kale leaves
1 large handful basil, chopped roughly
1 free-range egg, lightly beaten
sea salt and pepper
coconut oil or ghee for frying
To serve: baby cos leaves, avocado, radishes, grated carrot, cherry tomatoes, Greek yoghurt (optional)
METHOD
Place the quinoa and stock in a saucepan. Bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is cooked.
To the hot quinoa, add the cheese, garlic, kale, basil, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined, letting the heat wilt the kale. Set aside to cool.
Add the egg and mix well. Scoop out dessert spoonfuls of quinoa to form patties. Place patties in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
Heat the oil or ghee in a sauté pan and fry the patties until golden. Each side will need around four minutes.
To serve: Fill the baby cos leaves with the avocado, radishes, carrot and tomato. Place a patty on top and dollop over the Greek yoghurt if using. Serve immediately.
Uncooked patties will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Patties freeze well. Makes 12 patties
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This winter issue of dish is about comfort and connection. Celebrating the best of New Zealand and Australian produce, it brings together recipes from some of our most-loved chefs, including Moroccan Chicken Soup, Mint-glazed Roasted Leg of Lamb, Slow Cooker Braised Red Wine and Miso White Chocolate Cheesecake. Find plenty to carry you through the colder months, from flaky sausage rolls and mushroom pie, to soul-soothing pasta, nostalgic baking, weekend market inspiration and dinner party menus. There’s a spotlight on the Outstanding Food Producer Awards, recipes from Caroline Griffiths’ Midnight Spaghetti, and a deep dive into the difference between Kiwi syrah and Aussie shiraz.