Quinoa Cakes
Trying a new whole grain can be intimidating, especially when the name is difficult to pronounce. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a grain growing in popularity due to its nutritional value. Quinoa has more fiber and twice as much protein as any other grain. It can be used in a variety of dishes including burgers, stir-fries, breakfast bowls, and even pizza crust.
Today’s recipe uses quinoa, black beans, and cottage cheese. I love making this for on-the-road meals. These would also be a great option for kiddos who are in sports activities and need a quick meal before practice. You can freeze the mini cakes for up to 3 months and use them as needed. So instead of driving through the fast-food line, grab a protein-packed Quinoa Cake! Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/o4GgsqT66bU
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 eggs and 2 egg whites lightly beaten
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese, reduced fat
- 1/4 cup scallions sliced
- 2 Tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese, reduced fat
Servings:
Units:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place 12 liners in a muffin tin and spray with cooking spray
- Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in quinoa. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the grains are tender and fluffy. Let cool for about 10 minutes and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add eggs, beans, cottage cheese, scallions, flour, baking powder, salt and spices. Stir until combined. Fold in shredded cheese.
- Bake the cakes until slightly brown on top (20-25 minutes). Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve with your favorite salsa and avocado.
Recipe Notes
Recipe adapted from Eating Well
Roasted Asparagus Salad
Roasted Asparagus Salad is a perfect side salad for anyone who is feeling adventurous! With pickled red onion, roasted asparagus and arugula this side salad is quite the show stopper! 
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup red onion sliced very thin
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 lb fresh asparagus spears trimmed
- 3 cups fresh arugula (can substitute spinach)
- 2 tbsp fresh mint minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin divided
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Servings: (1.25 cups each)
Units:
Instructions
- To pickle onions, combine onion and vinegar in a small bowl. Cover and let stand at room temperate for at least 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Pre-heat oven to 400 °F. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle asparagus spears with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast asparagus for 15-20 minutes (until tender crisp).
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine arugula and mint. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the onions to the mixture. Pour 3 tablespoons of the vinegar from the onion bowl into a small screw top jar. Add remaining oil, salt and pepper. Cover and shake well.
- Add cooled asparagus spears to the salad and drizzle vinegar mixture over the salad, toss gently to coat. Serve immediately
Recipe Notes
Note: If you have thin asparagus spears, leave them whole. If the spears are thick, cut them into 1 inch chunks.
Zucchini Stir Fry
*GOOD* Stir Fry recipes are hard to come by, and we are excited to share this one with you! This recipe is very tasty and packed with flavor! Add a side of rice to complete it or try adding some chicken for added protein!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic clove minced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 large yellow squash sliced & halved
- 1 large zucchini sliced & halved
- 1 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ginger ground
- 1/2 tablespoon flour if needed to thicken sauce
Servings:
Units:
Instructions
- Peel onion. Cut into a thick dice.
- Slice the yellow squash into ½ inch thick rounds and halved.
- Slice the zucchini into ½ inch thick rounds and halved.
- Cut the red bell pepper into a thick dice.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable broth, brown sugar and ginger.
- Heat the oil and garlic clove in a frying pan or stir-fry pan.
- Add the onion, yellow squash, zucchini and red bell pepper and cook over medium heat. Stir until vegetables are just tender.
- Add the soy sauce mixture to vegetables. Stir until thickened. Add flour or corn starch if needed.
Recipe Notes
