Alyssa Yourish

Basil Quinoa Cakes

Someone posted this receipe the other day as I was browsing through facebook. I looked at it and knew I needed to add it to my meal plan. I haven't yet tried it, but who doesn't like something new?

Ingredients:
-2 1/2 cups Quinoa
-4 eggs, beaten
-1/2 teaspoon seasalt
-1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
-1 small yellow or white onion, finely chopped
-1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
-1 cup bread crumbs
-1-3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:
1. Combine cooked quinoa, beaten eggs, and salt together in a medium bowl. Add basil, cheese, garlic, and onion, and stir until evenly mixed.

2. Add bread crumbs and let stand so crumbs absorb some moisture. The mixture should be easily formed into balls without falling apart. If needed, add a couple tablespoons of breadcrumbs and let stand a few minutes more. (Note: For the gluten-free diners out there, try using 2 slices gluten-free bread toasted and crushed plus 2-3 tablespoons of any savory gluten-free flour)

3. Heat the olive oil (enough to coat the bottom of the pan — the exact amount will depend on the size of the pan you use, but 2 tablespoons should be enough) in a frying pan over medium heat. Pat the mixture into patties (1/4 cup servings work well) and cook in batches, about 10 minutes per side or until browned and crispy. Flatten each patty as the first side cooks until each is about 1/2 inch thick. Flip carefully!

4. Repeat with remaining mixture! Allow the excess oil to drain from the patties on a thin layer of paper towel, and serve alongside a salad, in a pita-pocket sandwich, or just about any other way imaginable.

Why not try it out and see how it tastes? It almost looks like a mini patty and you can choose to eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Something different. Something new. Do you like to try new things first or do you like to hear what others think before you try something? I hope you enjoy, because I know I can't wait to make these!