As a busy college student, you’re most likely coming home to your apartment after class or a bender at the library tired and hungry because there’s some snacks that annoy your peers while studying. Trying to cook healthily under these circumstances is a challenge, especially when a cheesy bowl of Easy Mac is tempting you.

I tend to find myself reaching for a quick, easy side dish that’s also healthy like brown rice, couscous or quinoa. They’re quick, easy, and go with just about anything but can get boring quickly, especially when you don’t have fresh produce on hand to spruce them up.

Here’s a take to try with your leftover quinoa that will leave your taste buds and cheese craving satisfied that is just as good by itself or as a side.

Medium

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
1 large egg
1 teaspoon flour
½ cup shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar)
1 tablespoon oil (I used extra virgin coconut oil, but you can use whatever you have)
Salt & pepper to taste

quinoa

Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, beat your egg. In a large bowl, mix quinoa and cheese.

quinoa

Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica

2. Pour in egg and mix. Add your flour and salt & pepper and combine all ingredients.

quinoa

Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica

2. Add your oil to a large skillet and turn your burner to medium-high heat.

quinoa

Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica

3. Using a spoon to help you, create small balls of your mixture. Flatten slightly in your hand. Carefully place fritters into your pan.

quinoa

Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica

4. Allow fritters to brown for around 5 minutes on each side. Carefully use a spatula to flip your fritters. Tip: Don’t flip your fritters multiple times or they’ll fall apart. One flip is enough.

quinoa

Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica

5. Once your quinoa fritters are browned and crispy on both sides, place onto a paper towel-lined plate.

quinoa

Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica

6. Allow to cool slightly, then enjoy your easy, cheesy, crispy treat.

quinoa

Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica

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Other ways you can spice up a bowl of quinoa: