Southwest Quinoa Patties With Avocado Sauce

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa, chilled
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups black beans
• 2 -3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder (or regular chili powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or monterrey jack)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided (or butter)
• 1 avocado, coarsely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• salt and pepper, to taste
• water, to thin

Recipe

• 1 in a food processor add 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa and ingredients eggs through salt. combine for 15 seconds or well incorporated.
• 2 in a medium mixing bowl, add the quinoa-bean mixture along with the remaining 1 cup of cooked quinoa and shredded cheese. stir to combine and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• 3 while quinoa mixture is chilling, prepare avocado sauce. in a blender or food processor, add all ingredients avocado through water, starting with 1/3 cup water and add 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached. i added about 1/2 cup for a slightly thick sauce that is spreadable, add more or less to your preference. set aside.
• 4 in a large skillet*, heat 1/2 tbsp oil or butter over medium heat (oil is divided since you will be cooking in 2 batches). meanwhile, form 12 patties about a 1/2 in thick (i used a 1/4 measuring cup to divide mixture up evenly, then slightly flatten). cook for about 6-9 minutes on each side or until browned and a crust is formed. using a spatula, carefully flip over and cook an additional 6-9 minutes or until browned. heat remaining 1/2 tbsp oil or butter in pan and cook remaining patties for about 6-9 minutes on each side or until golden crust is formed.
• 5 serve with avocado sauce and enjoy!