Ingredients

For the Patties:

• Pumpkin – about 200g, grated or finely chopped
• Onion – 1 small, finely diced
• Vegetable oil – for frying
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot – 1 medium, grated
• Champignons (mushrooms) – about 150g, chopped
• Green onions – 1-2 stalks, finely chopped
• 2 Eggs
• 6 tablespoons of Oatmeal – quick or rolled oats
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Paprika – 1 tsp, for seasoning
• Cheese – 50g, grated (optional for added richness)

For the Creamy Dill Sauce:

• 5 tablespoons of Sour Cream
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Dill – 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper – to taste

Steps to Make Pumpkin and Mushroom Oatmeal Patties

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Grate the Pumpkin and Carrot: Peel and grate the pumpkin and carrot into a medium bowl. You want a fine consistency that will easily blend into the patty mixture.
2. Chop the Mushrooms and Onion: Finely dice the champignons (mushrooms) and onion. The mushrooms will add a savory, umami flavor, while the onion adds a sweet sharpness.
3. Mince the Garlic: Crush and mince the garlic cloves to infuse the patties with a bold, aromatic taste.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add the Mushrooms and Pumpkin: Toss in the chopped mushrooms and grated pumpkin. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and the pumpkin becomes tender.
4. Add the Carrot and Green Onions: Stir in the grated carrot and green onions. Cook for another 3 minutes, seasoning the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Patties Mixture

1. Mix the Eggs and Oatmeal: In a large bowl, beat the two eggs. Add 6 tablespoons of oatmeal and mix well. Let the oats soak in the egg mixture for a few minutes to soften slightly.
2. Combine with Vegetables: Add the cooked vegetable mixture into the bowl with the oats and eggs. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, fold it into the mixture at this stage. The cheese will melt and bind the patties together, adding extra richness.

Step 4: Shape and Cook the Patties

1. Form the Patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into medium-sized patties. The mixture should hold together easily, but if it’s too wet, you can add more oats to absorb the moisture.
2. Heat the Pan: In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Cook the Patties: Place the patties in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp. Cook in batches if necessary, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Dill Sauce

1. Mix the Sour Cream and Lemon Juice: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and lemon juice. The lemon adds a bright, tangy flavor to balance the richness of the patties.
2. Add the Dill and Season: Stir in the chopped dill, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pumpkin and mushroom patties warm, drizzled with the creamy dill sauce. Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired. These patties are perfect on their own or served with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a soft bread roll.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

This recipe is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Vitamin A: 150% of the daily recommended intake
• Vitamin C: 30% of the daily recommended intake
• Calcium: 10% of the daily recommended intake
• Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?
   • Absolutely! You can swap the pumpkin for sweet potatoes or butternut squash, and substitute the mushrooms with bell peppers or spinach for variety.
2. How do I make these patties gluten-free?
   • Simply use gluten-free oats in place of regular oats to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
3. Can I make these patties in advance?
   • Yes! You can make the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a pan to restore their crispy texture.
4. How do I store leftover patties?
   • Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them in the oven when ready to serve.
5. Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
   • Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the patties. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin and Mushroom Oatmeal Patties

• Remove Excess Moisture: After grating the pumpkin, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the patties from becoming too soggy.
• Add Spices for Extra Flavor: Feel free to add other spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to give the patties an extra kick.
• Cook Over Medium Heat: Make sure to cook the patties over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning on the outside.
• Customize the Sauce: If you’re not a fan of dill, you can substitute it with parsley or cilantro, or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated pan or oven to regain their crispy texture.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the patties, let them cool completely after cooking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake the frozen patties in a 180°C (350°F) oven until heated through.

Conclusion

Pumpkin and Mushroom Oatmeal Patties are a versatile and flavorful vegetarian dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with vegetables, fiber, and protein, they’re a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on taste. These patties are crispy, savory, and served with a refreshing dill sauce that complements the earthy flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish, or a snack, this recipe is an easy, delicious, and nutritious way to enjoy the goodness of vegetables. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!