Here’s a simple recipe for a windy, rainy day like we have in Seattle and all up and down the Pacific NW coast. We even have some high wind warnings for today! I am going to write this and then bundle up and head out for a rain walk. I have loved the rain since childhood. Just being out in it makes me feel refreshed and alive.
Make these patties as simple or as complex as you like. I made the ones in the photo using pressure cooked brown rice and lentils. I think they are easiest to make when using pressure cooked rice because it is soft and sticky. There are some suggestions for using other rice in the recipe instructions. If you are using leftover boiled rice, one idea is to steam it, then pop half of it in a food processor or blend it partially with an immersion blender just to break down some of the grains and make it easier to form into balls.
This is one of my simple, go-to dishes, so that’s what I’ll show you here, with some options at the bottom for add-ins. I love these patties with hummus. Yum!
Simple Fried Grain Patties
leftover pressure cooked brown rice (can be pressure cooked with a bean or other grain)
frying oil, I have been using grapeseed oil lately
shoyu or tamari
1. Pressure cooked rice is soft and will form easily into balls. If your rice is a little dry and not sticking together, you can steam it for a bit to soften the grains, but then might need to add a little flour or other binder if it becomes too wet. Make as many balls or patties as your rice will make or as many as you need for one meal.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet on low medium until warm. Add 2-3 tsp oil and wait until a little rice added sizzles slightly. Then it’s at the right temperature for frying. Add the balls/patties and fry on one side until it’s a moderate brown color. Flip them to the other side and fry until moderate brown as well. If you made balls, you will need to roll them around several times to get most of the sides brown.
3. Transfer to a plate with paper towel or paper bag to soak up excess oil. Sprinkle a few drops of shoyu or tamari on them immediately so it cooks in while the patties are still hot.
4. Serve.
Other options:
Add in while forming patties/balls:
sautéed finely diced onion and carrot
finely diced mushrooms
spices such as cumin, coriander, chili powder, curry
herbs-fresh herbs can be minced and thrown right in, dried herbs should get sautéed with the onion in oil to bring out the flavor
a little miso
other vegetables like fresh corn, green peas, mashed sweet potato, green onion, parsley
Also:
Place in a tortilla with lettuce or shredded cabbage slaw to make tasty roll-ups.
Soft cooked millet is also yummy prepared this way.