Quinoa Fritters

• FAST
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 2/3 cup quinoa
2. 1 1/3 cups water
3. 1/4 cup all purpose flour
4. 1/4 cup grated Cotija cheese
5. 3/4 teaspoon salt
6. Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
7. 4 scallions, white and light green parts, finely chopped
8. 1/2 bunch Italian parsley leaves, chopped
9. 1 egg
10. 1 egg yolk
11. 3/4 cup vegetable oil
12. lemon wedges for garnish
13. Red Salsa for serving

1. Wash the quinoa and drain well. Place a small dry saucepan over high heat. Add the quinoa and toast, shaking and stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large saucepan and add the water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, until the water is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, flour, cheese, salt and pepper. Add the scallions, parsley, egg and egg yolk. Blend thoroughly with a mixing spoon until the mixture has the consistency of a soft dough.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Using two soup spoons, press the batter into egg-shaped ovals and gently slide into the hot oil. Fry until the bottoms are golden and brown, less than a minute. Turn and fry the second side until golden, less than 1 minute. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with lemon wedges and red salsa.