Avocado Stuffed Quinoa Fritters

I love finding new creations and food inventions to try.  Typically, my dishes entail whatever goodies I find in my fridge mixed with whatever vision I have going at the time... total invention style.  But every now and then, I catch myself stumbling upon a site like Tastespotting to get new creative inspiration and see something someone else invented that I just must try (some of those food photos are crazy amazing- drooling and inspiration happen in a matter of seconds!!).  This was one of those... a "what in god's name is that- I must make it now" treat.  Do you blame me?  Quinoa and avocado little fritters of love.... come on, amazing.  I tweaked the recipe a wee so that I could use what I already had around the house- to keep it easy on me ;)  The link to the original recipe is HERE if you want to take a gander... plus I must pay homage to the creator of course!

My changes were minimal - instead of using the aji amarillo chili paste recommended in the original recipe, I made my dipping sauce with Sriracha, cause it's something that's easy to find and you all may already have (I always do- love the stuff!).  Added some agave to balance it out... a simple dipping sauce with lots of flavor!  I also used mizithra cheese (in stead of cotija), which is a Greek cheese that is very similar in texture and taste.  Cotija is easier to find I imagine, but I'm Greek, so... used what I had.  Cotija can be found at most major grocery stores and in any little Mexi food mart.  If you can't find either in your area,  you can use parmesan as a substitute- use whatever is easiest for you to get your hands on!

One last modification- I lessened the amount of quinoa.  I wasn't trying to feed an army, just my mom and I, so aimed for about a 1/2 cup quinoa instead of 2/3.  It made just enough for us to over eat and indulge quite nicely.  I'm sure it would normally feed a few more, but we're a little piggy at times so it was perfect for us (with a few left over for later!).  Give it  a try- see what you think!  Super creative and unique, I think!!

Even though it's an unusual recipe with some creative 

touches, the ingredients are actually quite simple...

Mmmm I could live on avos... healthy and delicious!!

Makes about 20 fritters

INGREDIENTS

for fritters...

1 avocado

1/2 cup quinoa
3/4 cup water

1/4 cup mizithra or cotija cheese

1/4 cup flour

4 green onions, about 1 cup chopped

handful fresh parsley, about 1/2 cup chopped

3/4 tsp salt

1 egg

1 egg yolk

grapeseed or veggie/canola oil, for frying (about 3/4 cup)
pepper, to taste

for sauce...

1/2 cup mayo (or Vegenaise)

1 tsp Sriracha

1/2 lime, juice

1/2 tsp agave syrup

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

Begin by cooking quinoa...

Lightly brown in a pot over medium heat- no oil or anything needed- just dry :)

Should take about 5 minutes or so- keep stirring around until evenly lightly golden...

Then transfer to pot with water and turn heat to low...

Cover and simmer for about ten minutes, until fluffy and water is absorbed

While the quinoa is cooking, prep all of the other ingredients...

Finley chop green onions

And chop up parsley

You should have time to make dip while quinoa is cooking, too...

Get ingredients ready...

Start by spooning mayo out into a small bowl

Add parsley, Sriracha, agave, lime juice, and salt

Stir until smooth and mixed

Check for seasonings and adjust as needed

Refrigerate until ready to use...

Okay, now for the quinoa mix...

Place cooked quinoa in a large mixing bowl

Add flour, cheese, green onions, parsley, and salt

Add a little dash of pepper if you want

Mix well

Now add 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk

(You can premix these in a little bowl first if preferred)

Mix very well until quinoa mix forms a doughy texture

Then get avo ready...

Slice avocado in half and remove pit (1 avocado is 

enough- I cut more just to eat while cooking)

Using a spoon, scoop avocado out of skin

It's easy to cut if entire half is placed face down first

Then using a knife slice to make bite-sized squares

Generously season avo with salt and pepper...

And now you're ready to make fritters!

I found this method easiest...

Get a small amount of quinoa mix in palm of hand and form a little circle

Set an avocado square in center and use hands to 

shape mix into a ball around avocado

Like this!

Place on a plate or cutting board and continue making avo/quinoa balls until done

Heat grapeseed or whatever oil you're using over medium heat in a large frying pan

When oil is hot, carefully lay fritters in oil and let cook until browned, about 5 minutes in each side

You can totally fry them if you want, immersing them completely in the oil... or you can do a light pan fry type thing, only sitting them in oil on bottom side- I chose that route, but either works depending on your preference.  I find things can get just as crunchy and yummy when only pan fried- plus for these, it allowed the quinoa to cook without the avo frying, if that makes sense ;)  

When browned, flip and cook other side

When done, lay on a paper towel to dry

Plate and get that yummy dipping sauce out!

Pin It