Broccoli Cakes

Protein Rich, Kid-friendly, and Full of Green Goodness

Courses:

• Entrees

Collections:

• Emmanual Health Education

Serving Size:

• 1 patty, yields 4 patties

Preparation Time:

• 15 Mins

Cooking Time:

• 20 Mins

List of Ingredients

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, or sub

• 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa

• 4-5 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 1 scallion, diced

• 1/4 cup chopped herbs- basil, dill, Italian parsley, or cilantro

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1 garlic clove, finely minced

• 1/4 cup bread crumbs, more as needed

• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

• 2-3 tbspoil for searing

Directions

Step 1:

Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Drain. Bring quinoa and 1 cup water to boil in a very small pot, cover, lower heat to low and simmer 10-12 minutes until tender and all the water is gone. Turn off heat, let stand 5 minutes covered.

Step 2:

While cooking the quinoa, steam the broccoli until tender, being careful not to overcook. Drain well, let cool, and pat dry.

step 3:

Place broccoli, scallions, herbs, cooked quinoa, egg, salt, pepper, garlic, and cheese into a food processor and pulse repeatedly until finely ground. Pulse in the bread crumbs, mixing in well. The mixture should easily mound on a spoon and just be slightly sticky, easily forming a patty. If the mixture seems very wet, continue adding bread crumbs a tablespoon at a time until manageable.  With damp hands, Form 4 large patties, pressing them together.

step 4:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place patties in the skillet, lowering heat to medium-low or low.

Flip when golden and releasing, about 5 minutes.  Pan sear the other side until slightly puffed in the center (indicating the egg is cooked through) lowering heat more if need be. You can also finish cooking these through in 350F oven after pan-searing if they are getting too dark on the stovetop.

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Closing

Why It’s Good for You? 🌿🥦💚

These vibrant patties are packed with fiber, plant protein, vitamins C and K, and immune-boosting antioxidants from broccoli. Quinoa adds complete protein and essential amino acids, while olive oil and herbs contribute anti-inflammatory benefits. Cheddar adds flavor and calcium without overwhelming the nutritional profile.

Whether you're cooking for kids, meal prepping, or trying to add more vegetables to your diet, these cakes are a fun, satisfying, and balanced option that proves wellness can be utterly delicious.