Salmon Patties

Salmon Patties

 On very rare occasions, I am left alone to fend for myself for dinner.  Last night my husband and son where out of the house, busy with evening activities, and my daughter was home sick with a belly ache.  Usually I would just have a bowl of soup while my daughter ate cereal, or have some cheese and crackers, or a simple salad.  But last night I was really hungry and wanted something warm and interesting. I had half a dozen ripe avocados in my fridge, and with no party to make guacamole for, and way too much Halloween candy sitting around to entice anyone with (avocado) chocolate pudding, which is absolutely delicious, (simple chocolate pudding, raw vegan chocolate pudding), I knew my meal should include an avocado, so as not to waste good food. I have used avocado as a mayonnaise substitute many times in salmon or tuna salads, but I didn't feel like eating a cold sandwich.  So I thought, why not add a little cheese, an egg to bind it, and some flavorful spices and fry it up into a patty?  I knew as soon as the underside started to brown and the aroma filled the kitchen, that I had a winner.  A simple to make, super nutritious, quick dinner that is perfect for one or two people.  I like to think of it as a cross between a tuna burger and a crab cake, and the recipe can definitely be amended with different spices, finely chopped vegetables, fresh salmon, canned tuna, or even breadcrumbs.  I ate two of them with some cut up tomatoes on the side, but they would be great on a roll like a burger, or with a side salad or a little rice or quinoa. I'm looking forward to the left over one this afternoon when I get back from a walk, and am sure it will taste just as good as it did last night.  So next time you find yourself wondering what to make for dinner, and you have a ripe avocado handy, grab a few pantry items and get cooking!  Quick and easy can also be healthy, and honestly, if I'd taken the time to dress up my plate a bit better and present it differently with some garnishes, I can guarantee it would pass as something you might eat at a fancy seafood restaurant.

Salmon Patties

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1 ripe avocado, mashed
1 (6 oz.) can of salmon, no skin or bones
1/4 C. shredded Parmesan cheese
1 organic egg
1/2 jalapeno pepper (or 2 small hot peppers), finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. dried dill
1 tsp. dried minced onion
1 tsp. lemon pepper (or 1/2 tsp. black pepper)
1/2 tsp. turmeric
salt, to taste
lemon wedges, if desired

Mix together all of the ingredients, except the lemon wedges, in a bowl until fully combined. Form into 3 or 4 round patties.  Heat a frying pan, coated with cooking spray, over medium heat, and place the salmon patties onto the heated pan.  Cook for about 3 - 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and hot throughout.  Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon. (fresh dill would be nice too!)

browning the first side

cooked through

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