Quinoa Kidney Bean Protein Patties

SUBSTITUTIONS:
Protein Base: Kidney beans can be substituted with chickpeas, black beans, lentils, or mixed beans. Quinoa can be replaced with brown rice, millet, or cooked oats (texture will change slightly but still works well).
Vegetables: Purple cabbage can be swapped for spinach, kale, grated carrots, or finely chopped zucchini (make sure to squeeze moisture well if using zucchini).
Flavor Adjustments: Oregano can be replaced with Italian seasoning or dried basil. Paprika can be swapped for smoked paprika for deeper flavor. Chili flakes can be substituted with green chili or cayenne pepper.
Dairy-Free Option: Greek yogurt can be replaced with unsweetened plant-based yogurt (almond, soy, or coconut yogurt work well).

INGREDIENT NOTES & CHEF TIPS:
Soaking Quinoa: Quinoa can be soaked for 1–2 hours before cooking. This is optional but helps improve texture and makes it slightly fluffier. Always rinse thoroughly under running water to remove natural saponins that can cause bitterness.
Cooking Quinoa Properly: Do not over-stir while cooking. Once water is added, let it simmer covered until fully absorbed. After cooking, always let it rest for 5–10 minutes before fluffing. This step helps prevent mushy texture and improves binding for patties.
Bean Preparation: If using dry kidney beans, soak overnight and cook until completely soft (about 30 minutes). If using canned beans, rinse well and drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture and sodium.
Cabbage Handling: Squeeze the chopped purple cabbage firmly before mixing. This step is important because excess moisture can break the patty structure and reduce crispiness during cooking.
Shaping & Cooking: Shape into 16 equal-sized patties for even cooking. Pan-fry on medium heat until golden brown on both sides. If cooked without oil its easy to flip, but can drizzle little oil for the crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan for best texture.

AIR FRY METHOD:
Preheat air fryer to 170°C.
Lightly spray or brush patties with a small amount of olive oil.
Arrange patties in a single layer without overcrowding the basket.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on the outside.
Since the mixture is already fully cooked, this method is mainly to achieve a crisp texture while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Meal Prep & Storage:
These patties are excellent for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in an air fryer or pan for best crisp texture.

Serving Ideas:
These patties are versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
Served on a plate with cucumber slices and yogurt hemp dip
As a protein side with rice or quinoa bowls
Inside a lettuce wrap for a lighter option
As a snack with dip between meals