quinoa cakes

i had gotten pretty used to eating meatless meals about twice a week and looked forward to finding new foods and recipes we could have for dinner that would leave us feeling full without the meat. except for the last seven and a half months, when i've been busy growing a person - a person who needs a lot of protein. luckily quinoa is both meatless and a complete protein, making these cakes a perfect meatless meal.

quinoa cakes
adapted from let's dish
20 minutes, serves 4 (makes 8 cakes)

2 cups cooked, cooled quinoa (about 1 cup uncooked will yield 2 cups cooked)
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1. mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. season with salt and pepper. let the mixture rest while preparing the pan.
2. coat the bottom of a large saute pan with olive oil and place over medium heat.
3. using your hands, form about 1/4 cup of the mixture into patties. saute for about five minutes on each side until golden brown. serve with marinara sauce.