I'm not sure really who knows this yet or not, but I sort of have a giant fear of eating fish. I know, I know! It's a problem that I've been dealing with my entire life. I wish that I could bring myself to eat seafood at all. So far though, I haven't found success with it. What I tend to do instead, is make an otherwise fish-related recipe into something vegetarian.

I've always been curious about 'fish cakes', since they look like they could be mighty light and tasty if done right. In the past, I've made Chickpea & Quinoa Cakes, which turned out really good. But, today I wanted to try something a little different; adding in a kick of spice and bright bold Mexican-style flavors.

Chipotle & Spinach Quinoa Cakes
TheSkinnyFork.com

The Skinny:
Servings: 6 • Size: 1 Cake/Patty • Calories: 151.7 • Fat: 5.6 g • Carb: 18 g • Fiber: 2.9 g • Protein: 6.9 g • Sugar: 1.6 g • Sodium: 245.1 mg

Ingredients:
1/2 C. Onion, Chopped
2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
5 Oz. Baby Spinach
1 1/4 C. Cooked Quinoa
1/2 C. Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
1 Whole Large Egg + 1 Egg White
2 Oz. Reduced Fat Queso Fresco/Cojita/Feta
2 Tbsp. Chipotle in Adobo, Chopped
1 Lime, Juiced & Zested
1 Tbsp. Salt-Free South West Seasoning
1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper To Taste

Directions:
Lightly coat the inside of a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray and warm over a medium heat.

Add the 1/2 C. onion and 2 garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté until the onions are translucent and softened. 

Once the onions are nearly done, add the 5 oz. baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to a medium-size bowl, and add the 1 1/4 C. cooked quinoa, 1/2 C. bread crumbs, 2 eggs, 2 Oz. cheese, 2 Tbsp, chipotle, lime juice and zest, 1 Tbsp. seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste; mix well.

Finally, add in the cooked quinoa and stir to combine.

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread crumbs to absorb some of the moisture.

Wipe out the large skillet, and add 1 Tbsp. oil; allow it to heat for a few minutes over a medium flame.

Form quinoa patties about 2 1/2" across and 1/2" thick.

I used a 1/3 measuring cup to use equal amounts of the mixture to give me these size cakes.

Place the patties in skillet and cook until they’re browned on the outside (about 4 to 5 minutes per side.)

You can cook them in batches if you need to.

Once done, serve and enjoy right away!