Avocado Stuffed Quinoa Fritters

I love finding new creations and food inventions to try.  Typically, my dishes entail whatever goodies I find in my fridge mixed with whatever vision I have going at the time… total invention style.  But every now and then, I catch myself stumbling upon a site like Tastespotting to get some creative inspiration… to suddenly see something I just must try.  This was one of those… a “what in god’s name is that- I must make it now” treat.  Quinoa and avocado little fritters of love…. come on, amazing.  I tweaked the recipe a wee so that I could use what I already had around the house- to keep it easy on myself 😉  The link to the original recipe is HERE if you want to take a gander… gotta pay homage to the creator of this little treasure!

My changes were minimal – instead of using the aji amarillo chili paste recommended in the original recipe, I made my dipping sauce with Sriracha ’cause it’s something that’s easy to find and you all may already have and added some honey to balance out the spice.  It’s a simple dipping sauce with lots of flavor!  I also used Mizithra cheese (in stead of Cotija), which is a Greek cheese that is very similar in texture and taste.  Cotija is easier to find I imagine, but I’m Greek, so used what I had.  Cotija can be found at most major grocery stores and Mexi food marts.  If you can’t find either in your area,  you can use Parmesan or feta as a substitute- use whatever is easiest for you to get your hands on…

One last modification- I lessened the amount of quinoa.  I wasn’t trying to feed an army, just my mom and I, so aimed for about a 1/2 cup quinoa instead of 2/3.  It made just enough for us to over-eat and indulge quite nicely.  😉  I’m sure it would normally feed a few more, but we’re a little piggy at times so it was perfect for us (with a few left over for later!).  Give it  a try- see what you think!  Super creative and unique, I think!!

Even though it’s an unusual recipe with some creativetouches, the ingredients are actually quite simple…

Mmmm I could live on avos… healthy and delicious!!

Makes about 20 fritters

INGREDIENTS

for fritters…

1 avocado

1/2 cup quinoa

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup Mizithra or Cotija cheese (use feta as a substitute if desired)

1/4 cup flour (use what you like)

4 green onions, about 1 cup chopped

handful fresh parsley, about 1/2 cup chopped

3/4 tsp salt

1 egg

1 egg yolk

avocado oil, for frying (about 3/4 cup)

pepper, to taste

for sauce…

1/2 cup mayo

1 tsp Sriracha

1/2 lime, juiced

1/2 tsp honey (or pure maple syrup)

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp fresh parsley

Mix very well until quinoa mix forms a doughy texture

Generously season avo with salt and pepper…

Set an avocado square in center and use hands to shape mix into a ball around avocado

Like this!

Place on a plate or cutting board and continue making avo/quinoa balls until done

When browned, flip and cook other side

When done, lay on a paper towel to dry

Plate and get that yummy dipping sauce out!

Enjoy!