Cajun Rice Patties

Prepare your taste buds for a burst of flavors with these crispy and delightful rice patties! Made with sweet brown rice and with soy-free potential, these patties are perfect for those seeking a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal. Drizzle them with hot sauce or sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning for an added kick. Enjoy them with crisp lettuce or sliced, summery, heirloom tomatoes for a refreshing and wholesome accompaniment. Let’s dive into the recipe and create these delectable Cajun Rice Patties that are sure to become a new favorite!

YIELD: This recipe yields 6 to 8 patties

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup (98 g) dry sweet brown rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups (470 ml) vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons (18 g) minced scallion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (choose a salt-free blend, such as Frontier), plus extra for garnish
• 1 1/4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, minced
• Generous 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, to taste
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s), to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon mild Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup (65 g) cooked white beans (choose moist beans), mashed
• 3/4 cup (60 g) vegan panko bread crumbs, as needed
• High heat neutral-flavored oil, as needed
• Lemon wedges, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a pot, combine the sweet brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer until the rice is tender (about 30 to 35 minutes). Drain if needed and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl. Stir in the minced scallion, garlic, Cajun seasoning, minced thyme, salt, hot sauce, and mustard until well combined. Add the mashed white beans and thoroughly stir to incorporate.
3. Begin adding 1/2 cup (40 g) of vegan panko bread crumbs to the mixture. The total amount needed may vary depending on the moisture content of the beans. The mixture should be thick and just moist enough without being sticky or too dry. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour.
4. Shape the patties using 1/4 cup (57 g) of mixture per patty, forming generous 3-inch (8 cm) disks. Place them on a piece of parchment paper as you shape them.
5. In a large skillet, heat a thin layer of high heat neutral-flavored oil over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches for 6 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Ensure they get a crispy coating while maintaining a not-too-moist inside. Adjust the heat as needed.
6. Serve the Cajun Rice Patties with lemon wedges for added zing and flavor.

These Cajun Rice Patties are ready to be enjoyed as a hearty and wholesome meal. Savor the fusion of aromatic spices and the satisfying texture of these patties, making them an instant favorite for any occasion. Customize the level of spiciness according to your preference, and let the Cajun flavors transport you to culinary bliss. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in the deliciousness of these Cajun Rice Patties. Happy cooking and bon appétit!