We are vegetarians and do not consume meat or even eggs. I constantly try to come up with recipes that are balanced in nutrition with enough protein, fiber, calcium and essential vitamins. Quinoa and Paneer are staple ingredients in my pantry. Quinoa is an only grain that is complete protein and gluten free too. Cooking quinoa is super easy, healthier and quicker than rice. I love making quick dinner recipes with quinoa that are very healthy like this Lentil Quinoa Detox Soup, Curried Quinoa Pilaf or Skinny Quinoa Waldorf Salad. If you are looking for Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes or never cooked quinoa then this appetizer is a delicious starting point.
My love for Paneer isn’t hidden as well. From daily simple subzi like Veg Paneer Bahara to exotic rich curry like Shahi Paneer or even this mouth-watering Paneer starter like Achari paneer braided puff pastry. It so easy to get my daily dose of protein, calcium and fiber from these two ingredients. These Quinoa Paneer Tikkis are such a change from the popular Hara Bhara Kababs. Make them over the weekend for a nutritious breakfast or serve them at your next tea party or impress your guests with this healthy starter.
Makes a healthy & easy recipe for Navratri fasting.
As Navrarti is going on I made this yummy quinoa paneer patties recipe for our evening snack. You can only eat certain foods during vrat / fasting season. Quinoa and all milk products are allowed. This is a healthy recipe for Navratri vrat ( fasting ) without potatoes or sabudana. It is a great change from sabudana vadas. I served it with amazing vrat chutney too. Eat them as tikkis or roll them in Kuttu flour rotis/ dosas with salad inside for a substantial meal.
You should make this Healthy Indian Snack because –
It is not deep fried as most snacks are. It makes great school lunch or after school snack. You can make & freeze a big batch ahead of time. It is very customizable – add or minus veggies. It is a vegetarian, gluten free , diabetic friendly snack. You can make it during Navratri fasting (vrat) Makes a great party snack.
Quinoa patties is for folks of all ages including kids.
These Quinoa paneer tikkis make a great lunch box for kids. Sandwich it between burger buns or tuck it in a tortilla with delicious spread and salad for lunch or simply serve the patty as a snack. It is a healthy snack for toddlers and preschoolers too. Just skip the chilies and use less salt. A delicious finger food recipe for your kid’s next birthday party. Great for breakfast, office lunch with a side of salad & dip or as an evening snack.
Makes a great snack option for a diabetic –
When I was pregnant with my second one, I had gestational diabetes. One of the recipes that I relished that time was these high protein patties. My favorite way of eating them was tucking it in a low carb tortilla with yummy yogurt spread and loads of spinach. These Quinoa paneer cutlets make an ideal snack for anyone with diabetes without spiking the sugar levels.
These Quinoa Paneer tikkis can be made nut free –
Swap nuts with one extra plantain or small potato or even ½ cup steamed green peas.
How to make Vegan Quinoa Patty –
Substitute paneer with medium firm tofu for plant-based dairy free protein.
Ideal for High Protein Low Carb Diet
Tips and tricks to make the best Quinoa Paneer Patties / cutlet –
If you are not buying pre-washed Quinoa then always rinse quinoa 2-3 times with water to cut any bitterness. Always let the quinoa and plantain/ potato cool before making tikkis or they will break. Let the patties cook on one side for 2-3 minutes on medium heat before flipping over. This will ensure golden brown evenly cooked crispy patties. You may add up to ½ cup of grated cabbage, carrots or steamed peas to the mixture for delicious vegetable tikkis. You may do a combination of paneer and other grated cheese too. Season with preferred spices. Adjust the spice level if making for kids. Swap mint, cilantro and peanuts for homemade ½ basil pesto without oil. Basil tastes yum! Do not forget to serve it with a dip like green chutney, ketchup ,a simply seasoned sour cream, hummus or salsa.
Ingredients for making Quinoa Paneer cutlet / patties –
This Quinoa Paneer tikki recipe uses a handful of ingredients found in every Indian home. Main ingredients of this recipe are Quinoa and Paneer. I have used plantain i.e raw banana instead of potato to bind these patties. It is a no onion no garlic recipe and makes it suitable for Jains too . What makes the patty flavorful is the green masala that comes together in 2 minutes. For the masala ingredients I have used peanuts, ginger, handful of mint, cilantro and green chili for some heat. I have even added few spices from my essential Indian spice box like cumin powder, ground black pepper and salt. A little lemon juice adds freshness to these patties.
Step by Step making of Quinoa Paneer Patties –
I have used my Instant Pot to cook Quinoa and plantain at the same time. It is a hands-free cooking experience. If you do not have an Instant Pot then use a stove top pressure cooker to cook both at the same time. Or you may cook quinoa according to the package in a pan and boil the plantain separately. Make the green masala by blending mint, coriander, roasted skinned peanuts and green chilies.
Grate the paneer. If you have a food processor make use of it to grate paneer in 10 seconds. Use the fine grater attachment for the same. Let the cooked quinoa and the plantain cool down completely before proceeding with the recipe. Grate the plantain instead of smashing it for nice even lump free mixture.
Mix all ingredients and add the spices. I have not deep-fried these kababs. Instead cooked them on a skillet with little oil/ ghee. Heat a skillet on medium heat. Make tikkis that are approx 2 ” broad and ¼ ” thickness
Once the tawa/ skillet is warm brush it lightly with oil. Place the tikkis / patties on it.
Cook them on a low to medium heat gently flipping mid way. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve it warm or cold with salad and a dip.
How to serve Quinoa Paneer Patties?
Serve them with a side of a dip and chopped salad. I have used a mix of cucumber and carrots with some salt and lemon juice.
For dip or chutney you may pair it with your choice of the following –
Indian green chutney , ketchup, hummus, herb yogurt or sour cream or even pesto. Today I am sharing a yummy dip made suitable for Navratri fasting. For a substantial meal tuck these patties between sandwich breads , make a burger or even tortilla wrap.
More healthy recipes for your daily meals –
Pepper Paneer in yogurt gravy Paneer Masala for Dosa Sandwiches, wraps and more Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa Black beans Badami Paneer Curry
Some delicious Indian snack recipes that you must try –
Leftover Rice vadas 5 ingredient Ricotta cheese balls Aloo tikki burger Veg Hariyali Kebabs ( not deep fried)
Are we friends yet? Let’s connect on- Facebook| Instagram | Pintrest | Twitter
Let’s make these yummy Quinoa Paneer Patties –
What do you think about this healthy recipe? Do give it a star rating and leave a comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for latest recipes and updates. Pin it for future reference. Do share it with the world!Thanks for stopping by. IF SHARING ,PLEASE LINK BACK TO THE POST AS REPRODUCING, DISTRIBUTING OR COPYING PICTURES OR TEXT/ RECIPES THAT BELONG TO CARVEYOURCRAVING IS A COPYRIGHT VIOLATION. YOU CAN ALWAYS LINK BACK TO THE WEBSITE.
