Quinoa and Sweet Potato Fritters

Still not done with the sweet potato I canned at the end of 2024.  It's still safe, I just overestimated how much I would use.  We're giving it another shot at pairing with quinoa.  The tortillas were good, just hard on the system.  Doing something with less fiber in it this time.

It was during Chanukah, so I made fried cakes instead of baked.  Minimal oil, just enough to give that special crunch.  They weren't latkes.

These make a good vegetarian main dish, appetizer, or side.  With everyone vowing to eat better in the new year, these count as a Mediterranean diet recipe.

*1/2 C dry quinoa
*1 15 oz can sweet potatoes
1/2 tsp salt
pepper to taste
*2 green onions, finely chopped
*1/4 C chopped parsley
1/4 C flour
1 egg
Olive oil for frying

1.  Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.  This will generally involve pre-rinsing to remove the soapy film that can cause an upset stomach.  Drain and set aside to cool slightly.  This can be done ahead.

2.  Drain the sweet potatoes very well.  I chose to cook them for five minutes to boil off any remaining liquid.  Store-bought canned sweet potatoes don't have quite as high a moisture content.  If you're using roasted sweet potatoes instead of canned, they will be dry enough.

3.  Mash together the cooked quinoa and sweet potatoes.  Add salt, pepper, chopped onions, and chopped parsley and stir to combine.  Stir in the flour, then the egg.  You should have a thick batter, not quite a dough.

4.  Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.  Add enough oil to coat the bottom.  When a drop of water dances, it's ready to go.

5.  Spoon the batter in 1/4 C mounds in the skillet.  Cook until the bottoms are crispy, about 5 minutes.  Flip and cook the other side.  If necessary, flatten with the spatula to make sure they cook all the way through.  Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, re-oil the skillet if necessary, and repeat with all the batter.

6.  Serve as is or with a sauce.  Any pasta sauce and most salad dressings will go with these.  I sprinkled them with additional salt and had them with a side salad.

Makes about 12

Difficulty rating  :)