Sweet Potato, Leek & Quinoa Fritters

with Whipped Goat Cheese Basil Spread
(Healthy, gluten-free, veggie-packed comfort food)

These sweet potato, leek, and quinoa fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with nourishing ingredients. Served over a creamy whipped goat cheese basil spread and topped with fresh arugula, this dish works beautifully as a light dinner, brunch recipe, or elegant appetizer.

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Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour

• Servings: 4–6 (about 10–12 fritters)

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Ingredients

Fritters

• 2 small to medium sweet potatoes

• 1 cup quinoa

• 2 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken)

• 1 large leek

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for cooking)

Whipped Goat Cheese Basil Spread

• 1 bunch fresh basil

• ¾ cup goat cheese

• 2 garlic cloves

• Juice from ½ lemon

• Pinch of salt

Optional Topping

• Fresh arugula

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

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🥖 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Quinoa

Time: 15 minutes

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.

2. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup quinoa + 2 cups water or broth.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.

5. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.

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2️⃣ Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Time: 35–45 minutes

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Peel sweet potatoes and slice lengthwise in half.

3. Place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Drizzle lightly with avocado oil.

5. Roast for 35–45 minutes, until fork-tender.

6. Remove and let cool slightly.

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3️⃣ Prepare the Leeks

You can do this two ways — both are delicious:

• Option 1 (Layered): Thinly slice leeks into think circles to place under fritters while frying

• Option 2 (Mixed-in): Finely chop leeks and add directly to the fritter batter

Set aside.

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4️⃣ Make the Fritter Batter

Time: 5 minutes

1. In a food processor or stand mixer, add:

   • Cooked quinoa

   • Roasted sweet potatoes

   • Eggs

   • Garlic powder

   • Salt and pepper

2. Blend until fully combined.

   • Batter will be soft and slightly runny — that’s perfect.

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5️⃣ Cook the Fritters

Time: 15–20 minutes

1. Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. If using sliced leeks:

   • Place two leek slices down first

   • Cook for 30 seconds

3. Spoon fritter batter over the leeks, gently spreading to cover.

4. Cook until edges are golden and fritter releases easily from the pan
   (about 2 minutes per side).

5. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.

6. Transfer cooked fritters to a parchment-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven on low.

7. Repeat until all batter is used.

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6️⃣ Make the Whipped Goat Cheese Basil Spread

Time: 3 minutes

1. Add basil, goat cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and salt to a food processor.

2. Blend until smooth, creamy, and vibrant green.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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7️⃣ Assemble & Serve

1. Spread a generous layer of the goat cheese basil spread on the bottom of a serving dish.

2. Arrange warm fritters on top.

3. Toss arugula with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

4. Top fritters with arugula and finish with a pinch of flaky salt.

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✨ Serving Tips

• Serve warm as a vegetarian main dish, brunch plate, or appetizer

• Serve on a beautiful annieglass serving platter

• Delicious with a poached egg on top

• Great for meal prep — reheat fritters in a skillet or oven