Quinoa and Beef Patties

In a non-stick skillet sauté the onions in the olive oil on medium low heat, until softened and translucent. This may take 15-20 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 more minutes. Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool.

Once the onion mixture has cooled, combine all the ingredients together: onion mixture, beef, quinoa, cheese, egg, parsley, pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt and gently incorporate. Be careful not to over mix. To test the flavor, cook a tiny piece in a skillet and taste. Adjust seasonings to your liking.

Wipe out the nonstick skillet with a paper towel and heat to medium heat. Take 1 tablespoon of meat and flatten it to ½-inch-thick patties. Cook the patties over medium to medium low heat until they are a deep golden brown on each side; this will take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and sprinkle with kosher salt while hot. Continue cooking the rest of the patties and serve with pasta and a tomato sauce if desired.