Veggie Patties

This versatile recipe lets you use what you have on hand, minimizing food waste and maximizing veggie power!

vegetable patties on a plate
Photo:

VICTOR PROTASIO; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Yield:
16 patties

The ethos of this crisp veggie patties recipe adapted from Carleigh Bodrug, author of PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking, is flexibility. The veggie mixture is like a little game of choose-your-own-adventure. You can pick between summer squash or zucchini, broccoli or cauliflower, parsley or celery leaves, and chickpea flour or all-purpose flour. The versatility minimizes food waste by letting you use what you have on hand, while also providing the option for a gluten-free, protein-boosted patty thanks to chickpea flour. A “flaxseed egg”, simply a mixture of ground flax seeds and water, keeps this recipe vegan and binds the mixture so the patties don't fall apart.

To easily grate broccoli or cauliflower, start with a whole crown rather than florets. To further reduce food waste, peel the stalk and use it as well. 

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. flaxseed meal

  • 2 cups shredded zucchini or summer squash (from 1 zucchini or squash)

  • 1/2 cup grated onion (from 1 onion)

  • 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 1 cup grated broccoli or cauliflower

  • 1 cup chickpea or all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • Dip (such as ranch), for serving

Directions

  1. Stir together flaxseed meal and 1/4 cup water in a large bowl. Let stand until it reaches a jellylike consistency, about 15 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, place zucchini and onion in a colander and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let stand for 10 minutes. Transfer to a clean cloth and wring out as much liquid as possible. 

  3. Add zucchini mixture, garlic, broccoli, flour, parsley, 2 tablespoons oil, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to flaxseed meal; stir until fully combined. Scoop mixture into 16 balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper. Flatten each ball to about 1/4-inch thickness. 

  4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Place half of patties in hot oil; cook until browned and crisp on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and patties. (Alternatively, bake patties at 400°F until crisp, 12 to 15 minutes.) Serve with dip.

Freeze the patties in an airtight container for up to 2 months or refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you have an air fryer, that’s a great place to re-crisp them.

Related Articles