These vegetable-packed baked cakes make for a hearty, gluten-free appetizer. Protein- and fiber-rich quinoa browns beautifully in the oven without the help of breadcrumbs or frying oil, while kale and sweet potatoes help keep the delicate patties together.
![Kale and Sweet Potato Quinoa Patties](https://cdn-life.dailyburn.com/life/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/10052008/Quinoa-Patties_PS_2.jpg)
Yields 18 patties
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
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Ingredients
Olive oil cooking spray
8 cups water
2 cups (12 ounces) quinoa, rinsed
1/2 pound kale, large stems removed and leaves finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1/2 cup (2 ounces) finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons Sriracha chili sauce
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add quinoa and reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until water is absorbed, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, covered, for 10 minutes.
- In a large pot, bring another 4 cups of water to a boil. Add kale and salt; cook for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, scoop kale into a large bowl and leave the cooking water in the pot. When kale is cool enough to handle, squeeze out excess water and set aside.
- Bring the water back to a boil and add sweet potatoes. Simmer until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Strain the sweet potatoes and transfer to the bowl with kale. Add quinoa to the bowl and lightly mash to combine.
- Gently mix in onion, Parmesan, chives and cayenne. Let cool for 10 minutes then mix in the eggs.
- Place a 3-inch round cookie cutter on the baking sheet and scoop quinoa mixture into it; press firmly to level the top. The patty should be 1-inch thick. Slide the cookie cutter off and repeat to form 18 patties total.
- Bake until lightly browned and crisp, flipping halfway through, about 20 minutes.
- Combine ketchup and Sriracha in a small bowl and serve with quinoa cakes.
![Kale and Sweet Potato Quinoa Patties](https://cdn-life.dailyburn.com/life/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/10052007/Quinoa-Patties_PS_2B.jpg)