Breakfast Grain Patties

Vegetarian Breakfast Grain Patties Recipe

Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Breakfast Grain Patties offer a delightful and nutritious start to your day, combining the wholesome goodness of grains like brown rice, amaranth, and oats with the savory flavors of herbs and spices. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a hearty, plant-based option for breakfast or any meal of the day. The inclusion of sunflower seeds and a variety of seasonings adds texture and depth to these patties, making them a versatile and satisfying dish.

History

The concept of grain patties has roots in various cultures around the world, where grains have been a staple food for millennia. This particular recipe draws inspiration from traditional grain-based dishes, incorporating modern ingredients and flavors to suit contemporary palates. The use of grains like amaranth, which was a key food for the ancient Aztecs, alongside more familiar ingredients like oats and rice, reflects a fusion of old and new culinary traditions.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of short-grain brown rice
0.5 cup of amaranth
1 cup of rolled oats
0.5 cup of sunflower seeds
1 tbsp + 2 tsp of olive oil
1 cup of finely chopped onion (1 medium)
2 tsp of minced garlic
0.25 cup of finely chopped celery
1 tsp of fennel seeds
0.5 tsp of dried sage
0.25 tsp of dried thyme
0.25 tsp of anise seed
0.25 tsp of ground coriander
1.25 cups of small bread cubes
1.5 tsp of tamari or soy sauce

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, combine rice and 1 cup of water.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 30 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Stir and let it cool completely.
Meanwhile, in another medium pan, combine amaranth, 1.5 cups of water, and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and cook until all the liquid has been absorbed and the amaranth has a creamy consistency, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Stir and let it cool completely.
In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt to a boil.
Add oats and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed all the water, about 8 minutes.
Let it cool completely.
In a food processor, grind sunflower seeds to a coarse meal.
Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
Add rice to the food processor and pulse on/off until the grains break up and the mixture becomes sticky.
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tsp of oil over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, celery, dried herbs and spices, 0.25 tsp of freshly ground pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, combine rice, amaranth, oats, onion-celery mixture, bread cubes, tamari or soy sauce, and molasses.
Shape the mixture into 12 small patties.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
Cook the patties in batches until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
When all the patties are cooked, transfer them to a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Serve warm.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different grains, such as quinoa or millet, in place of rice or amaranth for variety. You can also add chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the mixture for additional texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Breakfast Grain Patties are perfectly cooked and flavorful, consider the following tips:

- Rinse grains thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.

- Allow the cooked grains to cool completely before forming patties to prevent them from falling apart.

- Use a food processor to achieve the right texture for the rice and sunflower seeds, ensuring the patties hold together well.

- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the patties; this allows them to brown evenly.

- Baking the patties after frying gives them a firmer texture and helps them hold together better when served.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Breakfast Grain Patties with a side of mixed greens or a fresh vegetable salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with a dollop of yogurt or a light drizzle of tahini for added creaminess and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include boiling and simmering the grains until tender, sautéing the vegetables and spices for flavor, and frying and baking the patties for the perfect texture. Each step contributes to the overall taste and consistency of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. Tamari can be used in place of soy sauce for a soy-free option, and any vegetable oil can replace olive oil if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

The grain mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before forming and cooking the patties. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick and nutritious meal on busy mornings.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the patties on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers for an elegant presentation. A side of colorful fruit compote or a light salad can also enhance the visual appeal of the dish.

Pairing Recommendations

These Breakfast Grain Patties pair beautifully with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing herbal tea. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water infused with citrus or cucumber.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Patties can also be reheated in a skillet over medium heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Breakfast Grain Patties contains approximately 200-250 calories, making them a moderate-calorie option suitable for a filling breakfast or a light meal. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the size of the patties and any additional toppings or sides.

Carbohydrates

These Breakfast Grain Patties are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy throughout the morning. The brown rice, amaranth, and oats collectively contribute to the patties' carbohydrate content, which is essential for fueling the body's daily activities.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come primarily from the olive oil and sunflower seeds, both of which are sources of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are beneficial for heart health and can help to lower bad cholesterol levels.

Proteins

Amaranth and oats are not only great sources of carbohydrates but also provide a decent amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The addition of sunflower seeds further boosts the protein content of these patties, making them a well-rounded meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in various vitamins and minerals, thanks to the diverse range of ingredients. Amaranth is known for its iron and magnesium content, while sunflower seeds are a good source of Vitamin E and selenium. The vegetables and herbs also contribute essential nutrients, including Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten (from oats and bread cubes) and soy (from soy sauce). Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Breakfast Grain Patties are a nutritious and balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. They are high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, and contain antioxidants that support overall health.

Summary

Breakfast Grain Patties are a versatile, nutritious, and delicious option for any meal of the day. With a variety of grains, seeds, and spices, they offer a satisfying texture and rich flavor that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day or a light meal to enjoy anytime, these patties are sure to delight.

How did I get this recipe?

. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the countryside. My aunt was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals from scratch. One morning, she surprised me with a plate of Breakfast Grain Patties. I had never seen anything like it before - golden brown patties made from grains, nuts, and seeds, served with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

I was intrigued by the unique combination of ingredients and the crispy texture of the patties. I asked my aunt where she learned to make them, and she told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family. She explained that the patties were a nutritious and filling breakfast dish, perfect for starting the day off right.

I watched intently as my aunt walked me through the process of making the Breakfast Grain Patties. She started by grinding up a mixture of oats, quinoa, and almonds in a food processor until it formed a coarse flour. Then, she added in chia seeds, flaxseeds, and a pinch of cinnamon for flavor. In a separate bowl, she whisked together eggs, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract before combining everything together to form a thick batter.

My aunt heated up a skillet on the stove and spooned the batter onto the hot surface, shaping it into round patties with a spatula. The patties sizzled and crisped up as they cooked, filling the kitchen with a warm, nutty aroma. After a few minutes, my aunt flipped the patties over to cook on the other side until they were golden brown and crunchy.

Once the patties were cooked through, my aunt plated them up and topped each one with a generous dollop of creamy yogurt and a drizzle of honey. I took my first bite and was blown away by the delicious combination of flavors and textures. The patties were hearty and satisfying, with a hint of sweetness from the honey and a creamy tang from the yogurt.

From that moment on, I was hooked on Breakfast Grain Patties. I asked my aunt for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. I made them for my family back home, and they quickly became a favorite breakfast dish. Over the years, I have tweaked and adapted the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding in different grains, nuts, and seeds to create new variations of the original dish.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of making Breakfast Grain Patties to a new generation. Each time I make them, I am reminded of that morning in the countryside with my aunt, learning how to make this special dish. The recipe may have originated from my family, but it has now become a part of my own culinary repertoire, a cherished memory of time spent in the kitchen with loved ones.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of Breakfast Grain Patties, I am filled with gratitude for the rich culinary heritage that has been passed down to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my family and my roots, and this recipe is a testament to that. I may not know where my aunt learned to make Breakfast Grain Patties, but I am grateful that she shared the recipe with me, allowing me to carry on the tradition and create new memories with each batch I make.