quinoa patties

i can't take credit for veganizing this recipe, but wanted to share it nonetheless. it comes from my sister, elaine, who is currently obsessed with this grain.

2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup pine nuts
½ cup fresh cilantro (or basil)
½ cup diced onion
½ cup cooked and drained black beans
1 t. seasoning salt
3 cups cooked quinoa
½ cup diced red bell pepper
¼ cup minced green onion
Bread crumbs as needed (approx. ½ to ¾ cup)
Canola oil and butter, mixed

Blend garlic, nuts, cilantro or basil, onion, black beans, and salt in a food
processor. Mix quinoa, red pepper, and green onion in a bowl. Add the
blended mixture. Add bread crumbs gradually, enough so the mixture
holds together. Form into patties, whatever size you like. Roll the
shaped patty in the crumbs to create a seal and crust. Heat a skillet
over medium flame. Add a small amount of oil and butter in equal
parts; cook patties about 3-5 minutes on each side or until browned.
Serve on buns with your favorite condiments, or with baked fries, or
on top of brown rice.

notes: make quinoa an hour or two before making patties - it needs to be somewhat cooled or the patties won't stick together. adding a little olive oil will help warm quinoa patties stick together better. if you don't have time to make the quinoa in advance, you can just skip making the patties and just eat the mixture as it is - it's quite delicious that way too.

you can use garbanzos instead of black beans - i did this and it had a nice flavor.