Quinoa Fritters with Avocado

  

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a grain like annual known for its wonderful nutritional content.  It was first domesticated in the Andean regions of Equador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru over 4,000 years ago.  It was a staple of the Incan diet, second only to potatoes.  Quinoa is currently experiencing a growing popularity world wide for its high levels of complete protein, dietary fiber, Phosphorous, Magnesium, and Iron.  It also contains high levels of Calcium and vital Amino acids, and is naturally gluten-free making it a great option for vegans and those who suffer from Celiacs or Lactose Intolerance.  Quinoa is used like rice or cous cous and has a delicious subtle nutty flavor.  It can be found in the Grain/Rice/Legume section of most grocery stores. 

  Stop by our website, we will be posting lots more recipes for this wonder-food.

Quinoa Fritters with Avocado

Fritters:

1 fresh, large Avocado

2/3 c Quinoa 

3/4 c Vegetable stock or water

1/4 c Mizithra or Cotija cheese (crumbled)

1/3 c Flour

4 Green Onions, chopped

3 tb (to taste) STM Carne Asada seasoning

3/4 tsp STM Garlic Sea Salt

1 Egg

1 Egg Yolk

STM Citrus Habanero EVOO, for pan frying

Dipping Sauce:

1/2 c Plain Yogurt or Mayo

1 - 2 tsp Siracha chile sauce or STM Piri Piri seasoning

Juice of 1/2 Lime

1/2 -1 tsp STM Prickly Pear or Spicy Mango Balsamic

  In a dry pot, lightly toast the quinoa until it begins to brown.  Ass the stock and cover.  Simmer over low for about 10 min, until the water is absorbed.  Meanwhile combine the sauce ingredients and chill until ready to serve.  Once the quinoa has cooked, stir over the heat for a minute or two to get rid of the excess water.  Then stir in the flour, cheese, green onions and seasoning.  Mix in the Egg and Yolk and stir to form a dough. Finely dice and season the avocado.  For larger fritters, flatten a spoonful in your hand, add some avocado and fold the fritter up to enclose it.  For smaller, appetizer size fritters, I added the avocado directly to the dough.  Pan fry the fritters in the oil: the larger take about 4-5 minutes a side, while the smaller only take about 2-3 minutes.  Drain on a paper towel and serve with the sauce or some yummy home made salsa.