I love cooking and posting on the same day. I'm skipping over a warm salad I made on Friday just so I can share these cakes today. They came out way better than I anticipated!
I'm not sure what I anticipated. I never made quinoa cakes before. I've seem a few recipes and photos here and there, but I never had the desire to make them because I've never made a batch of quinoa to then recook into cakes -- it seems daunting.
Instead, I decided to make quinoa yesterday for the week. I knew I wanted to use it, I just wasn't sure how.
I also roasted and pureed a butternut squash with plans to use it through out the week as well -- Click here to see my Sensational Sunday post where I share how I kick off the week.
Anyway, I decided to put the two together in a patty that I could eat on a lettuce "bun."
It was delicious! Soft, warm and tasty. I topped it with a little cran-apple sauce I made for pork chops the day before.
The sweet, tart sauce really was the prefect compliment to the earthy, warm taste of the quinoa cake. I didn't think I'd like the combination of cranberry and butternut squash, but this is the second time I combined the two (last night I had the combo with pork chops) and they are a good pair.
Here's how I made the quinoa cakes ...
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup pureed butternut squash
- 1 egg
- ½ cup quick oats
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp sage
- Pinch of kosher salt
Put all the ingredients in a bowl.
Mix well to combine.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Form the quinoa mixture into 4 patties and place them directly in the hot pan.
Let them cook about 5 minutes and then flip carefully. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
They will hold together but you do have to be careful, they are moist.
I tried to get a close-up for you as the texture was really fun.
They did hold together but again, are really soft. I loved the quinoa texture in this form!
Here's my gross, already took a few bites, shot.
This is the kind of thing I didn't make for the family. I don't have to. Here's how it would go down … I LOVE them but The Husband wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole. I could probably get the 2-year-old to eat a few indifferent bites. The 8-year-old would need a firm, "just take a bite" before making a face and telling me no, he doesn't like it.
I know my family too well.
I ate two for lunch and will freeze the other two. I'm sure they will heat up well in the microwave.
If you are curious about the cran-apple sauce, I made it similar to my cram-apple oatmeal just without the oats and less water. It took 1 tablespoon of honey and sugar to get the right sweetness for a sauce.
I'm doing the nutritional information per cake even though I think two are a more realistic serving.
| Servings | Amt per Serving | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 Butternut Quinoa Cake | |||
| Calories | Fat | Fiber | WWPs | |
| 105 | 2g | 2g | old: 2 | new: 3 |
| Sugar | Sat Fat | Carbs | Protein | |
| 2g | 1g | 16g | 5g | |
We love these! Even my husband, who is weird and doesn't typically like squash or quinoa, thought these were great. I double the batch and freeze them. They are a bit crumbly when thawed, but still delicious. I love to spread quac on top of them, which is so good. Thanks for the recipe!
So glad you like them!
How do you prepare the butternut squash in this recipe do you boil it or roast it?
I roasted it. I don't see why boiling wouldn't work though.
Roni, these were great! I made a couple of changes based on what I had in the cabinet... i.e. I subbed almond flour for oats because that is what I had on hand. I also used garlic salt/basil/oregeno/chives/cayanne as spices for both the squash and the quinoa. Definetly a keeper recipe!!!
Looks amazing. I have all the ingredients and will make them this afternoon! Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
what a great idea... often make quinoa 'tahboule' salad and have a bit left over - will try with cran sauce too 🙂 ... you inspire me with your posts
For 100 calories these look delicious 🙂
I love this idea and can't wait to try it! I have some of the same challenges as you do with family flavors, although all my kids are adults and no longer at home. But these I LOVE all these flavors and have quinoa in the cupboard.
This looks great! It would be wonderful to have them in the freezer for a very quick lunch.
Looks delicious!!!!
This sounds so good. I am going to try these this week!