We love these Quinoa Fritters for a wholesome twist on fritters. They feature Real California cotija and make a great party snack or passed hors d’oeuvre.
6 cups white or black quinoa, rinsed and drained well
12 cups water
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 3/4 cups grated Real California Cotija cheese, divided
2 1/2 tablespoons salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 cups finely chopped green onions, white and light green parts only
2 cups chopped flat-leaf parsley
9 eggs
9 egg yolks
Grapeseed or canola oil for frying
6 cups pico de gallo salsa
Aji Amarillo Aioli:
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
3-4 tablespoons aji amarillo chile paste
In a dry sauté pan over high heat, toast quinoa for about 5 minutes, shaking and stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Transfer to a large saucepan and add water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, about 10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Cool. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, flour, 2 1/4 cups cheese, salt and pepper. Add onions, parsley, eggs and yolks. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until mixture has the consistency of soft dough. Refrigerate, covered. (Yield: 18 cups)
For each serving, to order, heat 1/2 inch oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Using two soup spoons, press 1/4 cup batter into an egg-shaped fritter and gently slide into the hot oil (or use a small ice cream scoop). Repeat to make a total of 3 fritters. Fry for about 1 minute or until bottoms are golden brown. Turn and fry for about 1 minute on the second side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Arrange fritters on a plate and top each with 1 teaspoon aji amarillo aioli. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cheese and serve 1/4 cup salsa alongside.
To make aji amarillo aioli, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, parsley and salt. Add chile paste to taste. (Yield: 1 1/2 cups)
Recipe courtesy of Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Santa Monica, Calif.
