Quinoa Pancakes, delicious, healthy, hearty, and perfect!

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2 SERVINGS - 50 MINUTES
Prep Time : 15 minutes
Cook Time : 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

These delicious and versatile quinoa pancakes are crunchy outside and tender inside with veggie, garlicky and cheesy flavors. You will love using quinoa as pancakes although it is mostly eaten boiled with veggies or meat.

Quinoa is highly nutritious and fibrous as compared to other grains. It is gluten-free, high in protein, and has a low-glycemic index, maintaining your blood sugar levels.

Broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals, including folic acid. Besides giving you a great flavor, the cheese also provides healthy fats, calcium, protein, and many other nutrients and minerals.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup uncooked quinoa
½ cup broccoli florets
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup finely chopped bell peppers
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
2 ounces crumbled cotija cheese
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

Combine the vegetable broth and quinoa in a pot and heat over medium heat; cook until all liquid is absorbed for about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive in a pan and saute onion, garlic, and bell peppers; cook until soft.
Meanwhile, steam the broccoli florets in a steamer or use a microwave. For microwave, add ¼ cup of water to broccoli and microwave until smooth; drain and roughly chop.
In a bowl, add the cooked, cooled quinoa, sauteed vegetables, broccoli, and the rest of the ingredients except the oil. Mix well and shape the pancakes using your hands; take several spoons of the mixture, make a ball; press with hands to make round shapes. Use water to wet your hands every time you make pancakes to avoid quinoa’s stickiness to your hands.
Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat and fry pancakes until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Serve with your favorite sauce if desired.