Quinoa Cakes with Lemon, Olive, and Parsley

1 1/2 cups raw quinoa | 2 1/4 cups water | 172 teaspoon salt | 4 large eggs, beaten | 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped | 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped | 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese | 1/3 cup coarsely chopped green or kalamata olives | 1/3 cup chopped parsley | 1 tablespoon lemon zest | 1 cup panko bread crumbs | 1/2 teaspoon salt | 1/2 teaspoon coarsely groud black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes | 1 tablespoon water | 2 tablespoon olive oil

Place dry quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water for a few minutes.

Place quinoa, water and 172 teaspoon salt in a medium saucespan. Stir over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Cover, decrease the heat, and simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until de quinoa is tender but still a bit of crunch left. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. You'll need 3 cups of cooked quinoa for the recipe.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together onio, garlic, cheese, olives, parsely, lemon zest, bread crumbs, salt pepper and cooled quinoa. Add eggs and stir until quinoa is evenely moistened. Add water to thoroughly moisten mixture. Quinoa should be slightly wet so it doesn't dry out during cooking.

Scoop out mixture by the 2 tablespoonful. Use clean, moist fingers to form into a patty. Alternatively, we found that using one of our 2-cup plunger measing cups, lightly oiled and set to about 1/4 cup capacity. Fill and compact the quinoa into cup, then simply pop the cake out and right out and into the hot skillet. Much easier and the cakes held together much better.

In a large skillet over medium low heat, heat olive oil. Add four to six patties to the hot pan (or as many as you can fit without overloading). You’ll need a bit of room to successfully flip them.

Cook on each side until beautifully browned, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Medium-low heat helps insides cook at an even pace. Remove browned cakes to a paper towel lined plate and repeat with remaining quinoa mixture.

Quinoa mixture will keep, uncooked and covered in the refrigerator for a few days. Just prior to serving, cook as directed and serve hot. 

Just taste it!