Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes
Quinoa Burger Patty
you want a change of pace that’s meat-free, yet full of protein, fiber, and very filling…this might be for you.
I like it with Tzatziki on top or a little “fry sauce, and with a thick slice of tomato, avocado, onion and lettuce, as a burger should be, it’s fab.
Don’t be afraid of Quinoa. It cooks just like rice – might even be a little easier! – and can be subbed almost straight across in most recipes.
Ingredients:
• 2 rounded cups cooked quinoa (see note below for cooking instructions)
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other variety, if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated (OR 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry)
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 green onions, including white parts
• 1 /2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Olive oil for frying
How to make it:
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• In a medium saucepan bring the 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat. Add quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and the seeds are tender. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
• In a large bowl combine the 2 rounded cups of cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, carrot, eggs, flour, green onions, sugar, pepper, cumin, salt, and garlic powder.
• (To help them stay in patty form and not fall apart, I cook them on med-low slowly so they have longer to set-up without burning. Makes them easier to flip, too.) Heat a frying pan and a couple teaspoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Mixture will be slightly sticky, so using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop mixture into pan and lightly flatten to 1/2 inch thick. Fry until golden-brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Makes approx. 10 burgers.
Cheesy Quinoa Bites
Ingredients
• 2 cups cooked quinoa (I cook my quinoa in low sodium chicken broth)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 2 stalks green onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbs all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mix together quinoa, carrot, egg, green onion, garlic, cilantro, cheese, flour, salt and pepper.
• Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each).
• Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Quinoa Pizza Bites
Ingredients
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni slices
• 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried crushed oregano
• pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl.
• Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each), and press down gently to compact.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes.
