Quinoa cakes
Quinoa cakes are a nutritious and flavorful dish, featuring crispy exteriors and tender interiors from cooked quinoa, fresh basil, and Parmesan. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients to create delicious, plant-based cakes perfect for any meal.
Cook time 28 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa4.50 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 cup basil leaves
1/2 onion
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves
1.50 cup white bread crumbs white bread
1 tbsp olive oil
Quinoa cakes are a delightful and nutritious dish. This recipe is perfect for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet or for anyone who loves flavorful and wholesome dishes. The quinoa cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Instructions:
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling water, cover, and reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 4.5 eggs lightly.
- Finely chop 1 cup of basil leaves and 1/2 onion, then add to the eggs.
- Peel and mince 3 garlic cloves, and add to the bowl.
- Add the cooked quinoa, 1 tsp salt, 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, and 1.5 cups white bread crumbs to the mixture.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture has a consistent texture.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small, round cakes, each about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Place the cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add a few quinoa cakes to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cakes are golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cakes, adding more olive oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve the quinoa cakes warm! Enjoy!
These quinoa cakes are sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish not only delicious but also satisfying and healthy. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, these quinoa cakes are bound to impress your family and friends.
Quinoa cakes FAQ:
If you choose to bake the quinoa cakes instead of pan-frying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Quinoa cakes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, typically after 3-4 minutes per side when pan-frying. If baking, ensure they are firm to the touch and browned on the edges.
Yes, you can store leftover quinoa cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
If you're looking for a substitute for Parmesan cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for a vegan option or any other hard cheese you prefer, such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
You can use either white or red quinoa for this recipe. White quinoa will provide a milder flavor and softer texture, while red quinoa will add a nuttier taste and a slightly firmer texture.
Tips:
- Cook the quinoa thoroughly: Ensure that the quinoa is fully cooked and fluffy before combining it with the other ingredients. This will help the cakes hold together better.
- Use fresh basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried basil. If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic: Finely chopping the onion and garlic will help distribute their flavors evenly throughout the quinoa cakes.
- Let the mixture rest: After combining all the ingredients for the quinoa cakes, let the mixture rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb some moisture and helps the cakes hold their shape better.
- Form uniform cakes: Use a measuring cup or an ice cream scoop to form uniform-sized cakes. This ensures even cooking and a consistent presentation.
- Pan-fry until golden brown: Cook the cakes in a preheated pan with olive oil over medium heat until they are golden brown on both sides. This will give them a nice crispy texture.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 220kcal
Protein 13g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fiber 1.92g
Sugar 2.22g
Fat 13g
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