These pumpkin and quinoa fritters with feta are a wholesome, flavourful way to use up leftover veggies or cooked quinoa. They’re quick to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for lunchboxes, snacks or a light dinner.
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A few months ago, if you'd asked me how I feel about quinoa I would have said that we're still not on the best of terms. I have had little success cooking it in the past with a few bitter attempts.
Then I tried the quinoa salad to end all quinoa salads at my cousin's baby shower and I was determined to recreate it.
\So of course I did what I always do and Googled 'how to cook the best quinoa' and found this. It promised 'tasty, fluffy' quinoa so hesitantly I rinsed my quinoa, lightly fried it in the pan and then boiled it up with some chicken stock.
It was delicious. Light and fluffy and not at all bitter like my previous attempts.
Since I discovered this method I've had a bit more confidence making the stuff and have to say, I've grown to enjoy it and no longer flick past recipes with quinoa. Pumpkin and quinoa fritters with feta actually came from the most recent Coles magazine.
Mother's group lunch was up to the boy mums and I wanted something healthy so this fit the bill.
I mixed up all the ingredients just as the recipe said but when it came time to shape the fritters there was no way it was all sticking together.
After a few adaptions of my own, the slightly rustic looking fritters emerged.
They were super tasty and made the perfect easy-to-eat lunch. I think they'd also go well as a side dish or a bring-a-plate for a barbecue.
They do have breadcrumbs so aren't gluten free but there are heaps of things you could substitute them for (none of which are popping into my head right now but if you're gluten intolerant I'm sure you know what they are!).
I'm not sure how they'd freeze but they can be made a day ahead and re-heated in the oven. Enjoy!
What about you? Are there any foods you weren't a fan of that have become favourites recently?
Recipe
Pumpkin and quinoa fritters with feta
Ingredients
- 500 g pumpkin peeled and chopped into 1cm cubes
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 free-range eggs lightly beaten
- 150 g feta cheese crumbled
- 3 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180C (360F) fan-forced and line an oven tray with baking paper.
- Toss the pumpkin with 1 tablespoon of the oil and spread in a single layer on the tray.
- Roast for 30-45 minutes or until golden then set aside to cool slightly.
- Rinse the quinoa under running water and then place in a large frying pan and heat, stirring, until the water is absorbed.
- Transfer the quinoa to a small saucepan and add 1 cup of water. Bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer, uncovered for 8-10 minutes or until the water has been observed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
- Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and add the pumpkin, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheeses and basil and mix.
- Form the mixture into 12 patties.
- Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden.
Nutrition
Samantha says
Claire ! I love this recipe and have been trying to find the original everywhere ! Can you tell me what you've left out ? I feel like there were more herbs and more parmesan ?
Thank you
Sam x
Claire says
Hi Sam,
The original recipe can be found in the Coles magazine here file:///Users/clairecameron/Downloads/Coles-July-Magazine_LR.pdf it's on page 28.
Hope that helps!
Claire
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I wonder what made the quinoa bitter? There are different colours and some are stronger than others. But it's a moot point now as it is turning out for you! :D
Claire says
Apparently it can be bitter if you don't wash it or if you cook it too long.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I laughed when you said if someone needed to be gluten free, they'd know what to exchange for the bread crumbs. You are so cute it hurts. :)
I ate salmon a couple of weeks ago and liked it so that was a big win. I think I'd like your fritters better.
Claire says
Haha well I would assume they would! Mummy brain couldn't think of anything! Go Maureen! I'm still not a salmon lover.