Crispy Potlatch Pilaf Grain Cakes with Chèvre & Thyme
Hearty, crisp-edged, and beautifully savory, these grain cakes turn Bluebird Grain Farms’ Potlatch Pilaf into a satisfying brunch centerpiece.
Ingredients:
1 cup Bluebird Grain Farms Organic Potlatch Pilaf (uncooked)
2 cups water or stock
2 farm-fresh eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup Bellsong Creamery chèvre, crumbled
¼ cup finely chopped red or yellow onion
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Olive oil or butter, for cooking
Optional for serving: Jammy or poached eggs; radicchio with tossed dressing; wildflower honey
Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring pilaf and water or stock to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed (about 30–40 minutes). Let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the warm (not hot) cooked grains with eggs, chèvre, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed — if too loose, let cool a bit more. Using your hands, shape into small patties, about 2–3 inches wide and ½-inch thick.
3. Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook cakes 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Top with a soft egg and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, or pair with dressed radicchio for contrast. For a sweet-savory twist, drizzle lightly with wildflower honey.